Las Vegas, Nevada – A Canadian tourist who stole a 27-year-old flamingo named Peachy from his habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and took the bird to his hotel room has been convicted of animal cruelty.
On March 3, Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, of Ontario, Canada, climbed into the hotel’s flamingo habitat, chased the birds, and injured several of them before taking Peachy from his home. What followed was a disturbing incident that prosecutors described as a malicious prank, but which resulted in criminal convictions for the tourist.
According to police, photos and video documented Fairbarn choking Peachy and repeatedly throwing the bird to the ground. Investigators also found blood and feathers in Fairbarn’s hotel room.
Hotel security detained Fairbarn until Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers arrived and arrested him. The case subsequently proceeded through the court system, drawing widespread public attention and calls for accountability.
Jury Returns Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions
After approximately five hours of deliberations, jurors found Fairbarn guilty of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. According to CBS News, jurors reviewed 112 exhibits and heard testimony from 14 witnesses. They were permitted to consider either felony or misdemeanor cruelty findings on both counts.
During the trial, prosecutors characterized the incident as a malicious prank. Fairbarn’s defense attorney, Josh Tomsheck, argued that his client had been intoxicated and made regrettable decisions, insisting he had not intended to harm Peachy.
But intoxication does not erase the harm caused to a defenseless animal, and the jury ultimately found Fairbarn criminally responsible.
Awaiting Sentencing Under House Arrest
Fairbarn remains under house arrest while awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for December 1. He faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, with the possibility of an additional six months for the misdemeanor conviction.
Following the verdict, Fairbarn declined to comment as he left the courtroom with his wife. His attorney also declined to comment.
At an earlier probable cause hearing, Judge Suzan Baucum set bail at $12,000 and ordered Fairbarn to surrender his passport, wear a GPS monitor, and possess no animals.
Justice for Peachy
Peachy had lived at the Flamingo’s wildlife habitat for nearly three decades. His removal from that habitat and the reported abuse he endured sparked outrage among animal advocates who called for prosecutors to pursue the case seriously.
Animal Victory launched a petition urging Clark County prosecutors to hold Fairbarn accountable and seek the strongest penalties permitted by law. The petition called on District Attorney Steven Wolfson, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, its Special Victims Unit, and Team Chief Peter Thunell to ensure the case was not dismissed as a drunken prank.
The jury’s verdict marks a significant development in the case. Fairbarn now faces sentencing, where the court will determine the consequences of his convictions.
Animals in captive wildlife habitats are not props for tourists’ amusement. Peachy and the other flamingos deserved safety and protection in their home. This case is a reminder that cruelty toward animals can carry serious criminal consequences, even when the accused attempts to excuse the behavior as intoxicated foolishness.
Please continue to stand with Peachy and support accountability for animal cruelty. Read the original petition and add your name here: Sign: Tourist Steals Flamingo From Habitat and Tortures Him in His Hotel Room – Animal Victory
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