A Canadian man has been convicted of animal cruelty charges in Las Vegas for stealing a flamingo from a casino earlier this year. Mitchell Fairbarn, 34, of central Ontario, was found guilty of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse charges.
Fairbarn testified that he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol, estimating between 30 to 40 beers, on the day of the incident, which occurred around 5 a.m. on March 3. He stated he entered the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino to examine a bird with "uneven" wings.
During his testimony, Fairbarn described grabbing a flamingo named Peachy by the neck as a "silly pranky joke." He then took the bird via elevator to his hotel room and left it in the hallway outside. Video footage of the incident shows Peachy vocalizing as Fairbarn took hold of it.
Experts testified that Peachy suffered injuries, including torn feathers and blood loss, as a result of Fairbarn's actions. A veterinarian informed the court that the flamingo has since exhibited increased anxiety around people.
Following deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict. Fairbarn is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. He remains on house arrest in Las Vegas and has been unable to return to Canada since his arrest.