Canadian tourist convicted of animal cruelty for stealing flamingo in Las Vegas

A Canadian tourist was convicted on animal cruelty charges after taking a flamingo named Peachy from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, CBS News reported. Prosecutors described the act as malicious, while the defense said it was drunken foolishness without intent to harm the bird.

The incident occurred on March 3, when Mitchell Fairbarn took the 27-year-old Chilean flamingo from its habitat and carried it to his hotel room. Video evidence showed the bird squawking and being handled roughly, with prosecutors noting the flamingo experienced physical pain and distress.

Jurors deliberated for about five hours before convicting Fairbarn on both felony and misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, according to CBS affiliate KLAS-TV. He remains under house arrest pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for December 1 and faces up to four years in prison for the felony charge and six months for the misdemeanor.

Veterinarian Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, said Peachy is physically doing all right but has become more anxious and nervous since the incident. The Flamingo Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and is known for its flamingo exhibit.

Fairbarn's defense attorney told jurors that the man deeply regretted his actions, attributing them to intoxication after consuming 30 to 40 beers during a work event. Prosecutors presented video and witness testimony to support their case that the act was willfully harmful to the bird.