Rare pigeons worth $19,000 stolen in Siberia

Forty rare Uzbek pigeons worth 600,000 rubles (more than $19,000) have been stolen in Omsk, west Siberia, local police reported on its web site.

The unidentified thieves broke the lock of the pigeon house and stole the birds, each of which costs 15,000 rubles, from a 58-year old member of the Omsk Pigeon club.

The police are searching for the birds at local markets and pet shops. The pigeon thieves may face up to six years in prison if arrested and convicted.

Uzbek pigeons, originating from Central Asia and boasting a variety of colors and markings, are a popular breed in Russia and Europe.