POLICE are appealing for information after 55 pigeons were “throttled” in their lofts overnight on Thursday.
The racing pigeons each had their necks broken after the lofts at an allotment at Malleny Croft, near Currie Rugby Club, Edinburgh, were forced open.
Owner James Dickson said he was devastated to find every single bird dead when he went to lofts on Friday morning to feed the pigeons.
He said he did not believe it was the act of rival enthusiasts.
He said: "I just went up to feed them and I could see the door swinging open.
"I went in and they were all dead. They were throttled. Every single one.
"They weren’t champions but they were good doos.
"I don’t know how I’m going to explain it to my grand-daughters, they’re just four and five and come up here with me.
"I don’t even know if I’m going to get more pigeons. It was a terrible shock. I was totally gutted. I honestly don’t know why anyone would do this."
The estimated cost of the dead pigeons is £5000.
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "This is a disturbing incident, not least for the owner of the pigeons who is understandably upset as a result of what has happened.
"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area yesterday evening or overnight, who saw or heard any suspicious activity, to contact police immediately.
"Likewise, anyone else who has any other information that can assist us in our inquiries should also get in touch."
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