Belgian pigeon breeding and racing has raked in millions and millions of prize dollars. But these birds are often drugged with cocaine and painkillers.
In Belgium, the pigeon-racing industry is worth millions of dollars. One famous pigeon in particular, named "Bolt", was sold to a Chinese gambler for more than $400,000. This compels many racers, apparently, to force their pigeons to consume drugs so they can fly faster.
Pigeons aren't just in danger of being high on cocaine or painkillers. They're often forced to weather storms, dodge predators, or brave starving to death in unfamiliar conditions, usually in a quest to get home to their mates or hatchlings.
"У нас есть свобода, но не осталось времени" Dolores ORiordan 