An Ontario man faced a Las Vegas court’s animal cruelty charges for snatching a flamingo named Peachy from its habitat at a prominent Las Vegas hotel in what prosecutors labeled a drunken and malicious act. Mitchell Fairbarn, accused of injuring the flamingo on March 3, pleaded not guilty. Fairbarn’s trial resulted in convictions on felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty counts. Pending a December 1 sentencing hearing, Fairbarn could face up to four years in prison for the felony and six months for the misdemeanor.
Fairbarn, described as a contractor from rural Ontario, admitted to drinking “30 to 40” beers on the day of the incident during a construction expo visit to Las Vegas. He entered the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s habitat around 5 a.m. and took the bird, thinking it would be a joke with his friends. Witnesses testified Fairbarn was seen carrying the flamingo and spending time with it. Court evidence showed Peachy was found shaking and bleeding, with injuries including missing feathers and blood loss.
Fairbarn’s lawyer claimed his client’s actions were due to intoxication, with no intention to harm the bird. Fairbarn has been under house arrest in Nevada since the incident and had to surrender his passport. Jurors deliberated after closing arguments, and Peachy has since recovered. Caesars Entertainment confirmed Peachy’s well-being and expressed gratitude for the authorities’ response. Animal rights advocate John Waudby believed justice was served in Peachy’s case and hoped it would deter future incidents of animal cruelty in Nevada.