A Canadian tourist faced legal consequences after a disturbing incident at a Las Vegas Strip hotel. Mitchell Fairbarn, from Ontario, Canada, was found guilty of animal cruelty for removing a flamingo from its habitat and causing injury. The conviction followed a bizarre encounter at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
The jurors deliberated for five hours before convicting Fairbarn on both felony and misdemeanor charges. The case centered around an event on March 3, when Fairbarn took a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo named Peachy from its enclosure.
“He should not have done that, should not have gone into the habitat, shouldn’t have touched a bird,” said his attorney, Josh Tomsheck.
Surveillance footage revealed Fairbarn’s actions inside an elevator and hotel hallway, where he carried the distressed bird. Prosecutors presented evidence of deliberate pain caused to Peachy, including footage showing Fairbarn pulling the bird by its feet and feathers left on the hotel floor.
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department reported finding Peachy injured with blood and missing feathers. Fairbarn allegedly took the flamingo to his hotel room, exacerbating the bird’s injuries.
In court, Fairbarn’s defense argued that poor decision-making while intoxicated led to the incident. His lawyer acknowledged the seriousness but insisted there was no intent to harm the animal.
Tiffany Moore, medical director at Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, where Peachy was treated, reported that the flamingo was recovering physically. However, Peachy remained anxious during veterinary exams following the ordeal.
Fairbarn awaits his sentencing, which is scheduled for December 1. He could face up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, along with an additional six months for the misdemeanor offense.
Prosecutors also noted that Fairbarn faced personal challenges after the incident, including receiving threats and being unable to return to Canada during the legal proceedings.
The Flamingo Las Vegas is a historic resort, home to various wildlife, including flamingos, turtles, and koi fish.