GARDAI in Cork are investigating the killing of 50 prized racing pigeons in an attack on a pigeon loft on the north side of city.
The owner of the racing birds, Mr George Busteed, whose loft is on Churchfield Terrace, said he had no idea why the attack occurred.
Mr Busteed - a pigeon fancier for more than 50 years - found his racing birds decapitated and mutilated when he went to his loft on Thursday.
The birds were strewn about the area, and despite the fact that there was some money on the premises, none was taken.
"The person who did this must be a total madman; he could kill someone," Mr "Busteed said.
"I can't understand why anyone would want to do this," he added.
"I never did anything to anyone. Whoever did this must have been covered in blood from head to toe afterwards.
"I keep an open can of loose change for feed and other stuff in the loft and that wasn't even touched."