In brief
Mitchell Fairbarn, a 34‑year‑old visitor to Las Vegas, was convicted of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse after taking a Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Hotel’s free‑entry wildlife habitat. Video evidence showed Fairbarn carrying the bird by the neck into an elevator, claiming he had drunk 30 to 40 beers that night. The court determined the act was cruel and sentenced him to a term that could approach five years. Peachy suffered feather loss and blood loss but has largely recovered, now showing a more anxious stance around humans. Fairbarn is on house arrest awaiting his December sentencing hearing.
In an unusual turn of events, a Canadian tourist named Mitchell Fairbarn was found guilty of animal cruelty after taking a Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Hotel and Casino’s wildlife enclosure in March. Fairbarn, 34, claimed he was drunk on thirty to forty beers and did not intend to harm the bird.
Video presented at the trial showed Fairbarn carrying Peachy by the neck into the hotel elevator, a scene that the jury noted as clear evidence of animal abuse. Witnesses and animal experts testified that Peachy suffered feather loss and blood loss as a result of the theft.
Fairbarn’s lawyer described the act as a “harmless prank” and blamed alcohol for his decision. The lawyer also reported that Fairbarn has received death threats since he was arrested.
The Flamingo Hotel, a prominent landmark on the Las Vegas Strip, houses an indoor wildlife habitat that welcomes visitors. The habitat includes a flock of Chilean flamingos, other birds, fish and turtles.
During the trial, the jury heard from fourteen witnesses and reviewed over one hundred pieces of evidence. In roughly five hours, they convicted Fairbarn of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse. He faces a prison sentence that could reach nearly five years and remains on house arrest while awaiting his December sentencing hearing.
A state veterinarian reported that Peachy has largely recovered but now displays a more nervous demeanor around people.
