A Canadian tourist, Mitchell Fairbarn, was found guilty of animal cruelty for an incident at a Las Vegas hotel where he removed a flamingo from its habitat. The case concluded with Fairbarn convicted on felony and misdemeanor charges after jurors deliberated for around five hours.
The event took place at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, involving a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo named Peachy which Fairbarn took from its enclosure to his hotel room.
Surveillance footage showed Fairbarn holding the bird in an elevator and walking through the hotel hallway as the flamingo squawked. Prosecutors highlighted his actions, noting he pulled the bird by its feet and left its feathers scattered on the hotel floor.
When hotel security noticed Peachy missing, Las Vegas police were notified. Upon finding the flamingo, officers discovered it was missing several feathers, had blood on its body, and suffered wing injuries. Fairbarn had taken the bird to his room on the 14th floor, according to the police.
Defense attorney Josh Tomsheck admitted Fairbarn acted irresponsibly due to intoxication but insisted there was no intent to harm the bird. He stated, “Mitch was drunk. He was stupid. He made bad decisions.”
Tiffany Moore, from Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, reported that Peachy is physically recovering but shows increased anxiety during medical exams.
Fairbarn remains under house arrest while awaiting sentencing. His potential sentence includes up to four years for the felony conviction and an additional six months for the misdemeanor charge.
Throughout the trial, the prosecutor, Haley Willming, argued that Fairbarn’s actions resulted in severe personal consequences, including receiving death threats and being unable to return to Canada during his father’s passing.
The Flamingo Las Vegas, renowned for its wildlife habitat, is home to flamingos along with turtles, koi fish, and other animals. The incident has drawn significant attention to the conduct and security of visitors within such attractions.
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