This article does not do a very good job of talking about why pigeons were domesticated, and instead, rely upon argumentation by pathos. It only mentions racing in passing, but breeding pigeons for racing weakens the whole argument.
In the Middle East, pigeons were raised as a food source. There are structures that allow flocks to nest, and from time to time, people would cook some for food.
I have seen a video of someone doing so in London with one of the many free roaming pigeons.
There may be other relationships pigeons have with humans.
It’s still possible to redomesticate pigeons. There are some obstacles. If they are going to be harvested for food, then people need some way to make sure they are disease free, and on-site butchering is legal.
In the Middle East, pigeons were raised as a food source. There are structures that allow flocks to nest, and from time to time, people would cook some for food.
I have seen a video of someone doing so in London with one of the many free roaming pigeons.
There may be other relationships pigeons have with humans.
It’s still possible to redomesticate pigeons. There are some obstacles. If they are going to be harvested for food, then people need some way to make sure they are disease free, and on-site butchering is legal.