The incident occurred in the rural hamlet of Malente, where a 53-year-old bird breeder discovered several doors broken and the animal carcasses scattered everywhere.

Police said they believe that the perpetrator had a good local knowledge because the birds’ living space was not visible from the street.

Police believe the culprit broke into the space Friday night or early Saturday morning. The last time the breeder had fed his animals was Friday.

The police have asked for the public’s help and believe someone may have eyewitness evidence.

The pigeon killings are the latest in a series of grisly animal abuse cases that have angered many Germans.

In October a cockatiel was rescued after someone doused it with beer and stuffed it into a ticket machine.

Earlier this month police near Düsseldorf found five dogs skinned and their stomachs cut open before being dumped into a river.

Investigators are still searching for evidence.

The Local/DPA/mdm