By WorldwideScope Crime & Entertainment Desk
A Canadian tourist has been found guilty on felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges by a Nevada jury following a bizarre incident in which he hopped a barrier and snatched a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo named Peachy from its habitat at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
The trial, which concluded after roughly five hours of jury deliberations, centered around events that took place around 5:00 a.m. on March 3. Security footage captured 34-year-old Mitchell Fairbarn of Ontario, Canada, scaling the enclosure fence and carrying the squawking bird through hotel elevators and hallways back to his guest room.
The Trial: Drunken Prank vs. Animal Cruelty
During the court proceedings, prosecutors argued that the defendant’s actions constituted a malicious and reckless stunt that severely frightened and injured the animal.
Testimony from veterinarians revealed that Peachy suffered noticeable trauma during the abduction:
- Physical Injuries: The bird sustained blood loss, broken feather shafts, and seven to eight missing feathers.
- Medical Treatment: Veterinarians stated that Peachy required weeks of targeted pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory care following the incident.
- Behavioral Impact: According to medical staff at the Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, while Peachy has recovered physically, the bird remains noticeably more anxious and nervous during routine health evaluations.
Meanwhile, Fairbarn’s defense attorney, Josh Tomsheck, conceded that his client committed a severe error in judgment, acknowledging to jurors that Fairbarn had been heavily intoxicated—allegedly consuming dozens of drinks—and had no business entering the enclosure. However, the defense maintained that the act was born of “drunken foolishness” rather than an intentional desire to torture or hurt the animal.
Fairbarn broke down in tears on the witness stand while testifying about the regret he felt over his actions.
What Happens Next?
Following the jury’s guilty verdict on both the felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty counts, Fairbarn remains under house arrest pending a formal sentencing hearing scheduled for December 1, 2026.
He faces a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, alongside an additional six months for the misdemeanor charge.
Sources: Associated Press, CNN