Canadian Tourist Convicted of Animal Cruelty in Flamingo Case

A Canadian tourist, Mitchell Fairbarn, has been found guilty of animal cruelty for taking a flamingo from its habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The incident occurred on March 3, involving a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo named Peachy. Fairbarn removed the bird and took it to his hotel room, causing injuries to the animal.

Jurors convicted Fairbarn of both felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after five hours of deliberation. Surveillance footage showed Fairbarn holding the flamingo in an elevator and carrying it through the hotel while the bird squawked.

Peachy suffered loss of feathers, had blood on feathers, and injuries to wings.

Prosecutors presented evidence of Fairbarn pulling Peachy by its feet, with feathers later found on the hotel floor. Fairbarn’s defense attorney argued that his client was intoxicated and did not intend to harm the flamingo.

Las Vegas police were alerted when Peachy was reported missing from its enclosure. Authorities discovered the bird injured and missing several feathers. Fairbarn is currently under house arrest and faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, with sentencing set for December 1.

Despite receiving veterinary care, Peachy remains anxious during examinations, according to Tiffany Moore of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital.

Throughout the trial, Mitchell Fairbarn admitted to his poor choices while intoxicated, acknowledging he should not have taken Peachy from the habitat. The consequences of his actions have been significant, including being unable to return to Canada amid the legal proceedings.

The Flamingo Las Vegas, one of the oldest resorts on the Strip, is noted for its wildlife habitat, which includes various animals such as flamingos, turtles, and koi fish.