Mitchell Fairbarn, a 34-year-old Canadian tourist, was found guilty of animal cruelty after removing a Chilean flamingo named Peachy from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in March and carrying it to his hotel room.
CCTV footage shown at trial captured Fairbarn in an elevator holding the bird by the neck while smiling. Animal experts testified that Peachy sustained torn feathers and blood loss as a result of the incident. A state veterinarian said the flamingo has largely recovered but now displays heightened anxiety around humans.
Fairbarn testified he had consumed 30 to 40 beers before taking the flamingo and said he believed the act would be funny. He claimed he had been drinking all night and was ending a work call when he decided to enter the wildlife habitat and take the bird. His defense lawyer, Josh Tomsheck, characterized the action as a prank motivated by alcohol rather than intent to harm, stating Fairbarn "was drunk. Mitch was stupid. He made bad decisions."
A jury of 14 witnesses and 112 pieces of evidence delivered a guilty verdict after approximately five hours of deliberation on felony and misdemeanor animal abuse charges. Fairbarn now faces nearly five years in prison. His lawyer noted Fairbarn has received death threats since his arrest.
The Flamingo Las Vegas, located on the famous Strip, maintains a free-access wildlife habitat housing a flock of Chilean flamingos alongside other birds, fish and turtles.
Fairbarn has remained on house arrest in Las Vegas since his arrest and has been unable to leave the US. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December.