Just listened to this on BBC Sounds. these pigeons were bought at the RPRA Charity Sale and they paid over £1600 for these birds , unfortunately the Auctioneer would not have known the buyers . PETA stated that pigeon racing is a blood sport where 90% of pigeons die during the long distance races where they fall into the English Channel . they also state that the pigeons fly from Africa to the UK. Chris Sutton gave a balanced defence of the sport in reply but if PETA are only spouting the worst scenario and downright lies the listeners are getting a false impression .Unfortunately if PETA has the sport in its sights things are going to be picked over with a fine toothed comb .