Owner John Henwood, 56, found three of his birds dead in a nearby canal after the theft which happened on Monday.

Thieves smashed their way into a series of sheds in the back garden of a house in Steadman Croft, Tipton.

Mr Henwood said his life's work had been destroyed. Police are appealing for information.

He discovered the theft after returning home from a day out.

"Some of them were worth up to �5,000 each and had won awards," he said.

"I've always kept pigeons, they're my livelihood, I'm considering giving up though now."

He said half his collection had been taken in the raid.