A top budgerigar breeder whose champion bird was stamped to death by thieves has appealed for the return of 21 other birds stolen in the raid.
Andrew Pooley, 58, of Delabole in Cornwall told Sky News: "The birds are no use to them.
"They can't get rid of them in this country - people in the trade will know they belong to me.
"I'm terrified now after all the publicity they will kill them. I'd rather they took them to a motorway service station and gave them away."
Mr Pooley believes the thieves killed his champion bird "Penmead Pride" accidentally when it was flying around in a state of panic during the break-in.
Mr Pooley discovered the burglary on August 20 - the night before the Cornwall Budgerigar Show - where the bird was crowned champion in 2009.
He had been due to take part in this year's competition but was forced to withdraw because of the loss of his prize birds, valued at £2,000.
He said: "I was devastated. I felt sick. It was the worst day of my life.
"I have spent 40 years breeding budgies and it's just in the last five that I have started to do really well on the show circuit.
"I spent most of my time with the birds. They were my life."
Mr Pooley has made appeals in specialist budgerigar publications in the hope of catching those responsible and getting his birds back.
He said: "They definitely knew what they were doing. I'm 100% certain whoever did this knew what they were doing as they picked the best birds - they targeted my show team."
Devon and Cornwall Police said they were investigating the incident and appealed for anyone with information on the attack or the whereabouts of the birds to come forward.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Budgie-Killed-By-Rival-Breeder-Andrew-Pooleys-Budgerigar-Penmead-Pride-Stamped-On-In-Cornwall/Article/201009215723853?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_7
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