Mitchell Fairbarn took the bird from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and carried it to his room. His lawyer said he was intoxicated and meant no harm.
A Canadian tourist faces up to four years in prison after a Las Vegas jury convicted him of animal cruelty. The case involved a flamingo named Peachy, which the man removed from a hotel wildlife enclosure.
Mitchell Fairbarn, from Ontario, Canada, took the bird from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on March 3.
Prosecutors described his actions as deliberate and cruel. His defence attorney argued that alcohol influenced his poor decisions and that he never intended to harm the animal.
On Monday, jurors found Fairbarn guilty of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
He remains in custody while awaiting sentencing on December 1.
Tourist Takes Flamingo From Las Vegas Hotel
The incident happened at the famous Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
The resort features a wildlife habitat that houses flamingos, hummingbirds, turtles, koi fish and other animals.
According to prosecutors, Fairbarn entered the enclosure and removed Peachy, a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo.
Security footage showed him carrying the bird through the hotel.
Another video captured Fairbarn holding Peachy inside an elevator before taking the flamingo down a hallway.
Hotel security staff contacted Las Vegas police after discovering the bird had disappeared.
Officers later located Peachy and documented several injuries.
Authorities reported that the flamingo had lost seven or eight feathers. They also discovered blood on its feathers and injuries to its wings.
Prosecutors Say Flamingo Suffered Pain
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Fairbarn knowingly caused Peachy physical harm.
They presented security footage showing the bird struggling and squawking while the tourist handled it.
Investigators also discovered feathers scattered across the hotel floor.
Prosecutors told jurors that Fairbarn hurt Peachy when he pulled the bird by its feet.
They maintained that his behaviour went beyond a simple mistake.
However, defence attorney Josh Tomsheck challenged the argument that Fairbarn intended to injure the flamingo.
He acknowledged that his client had behaved irresponsibly while intoxicated.
“Taking the bird was dumb and fueled by drunkenness,” Tomsheck argued.
The attorney also admitted that Fairbarn should never have entered the enclosure or touched the animal.
“Mitch was drunk. Mitch was stupid. He made bad decisions,” he told jurors.
Despite those arguments, the jury convicted Fairbarn on both charges.
How Is Peachy the Flamingo Recovering?
Peachy survived the incident, but the experience appears to have affected the bird’s behaviour.
Veterinarian Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, provided an update on the flamingo’s condition.
She explained that Peachy was doing reasonably well physically.
However, the bird now appears more anxious and nervous during veterinary examinations.
The behavioural changes have raised concerns about the lasting effects of the incident.
Although the flamingo has recovered from its immediate physical injuries, veterinary staff continue to observe its condition.
Canadian Tourist Faces Possible Prison Sentence
Fairbarn could receive a significant prison sentence following his conviction.
The felony animal cruelty charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
The misdemeanor conviction could add another six months in jail.
The court has scheduled his sentencing hearing for December 1.
During the proceedings, Fairbarn appeared emotional and sometimes covered his face with his hands.
Prosecutor Haley Willming also discussed the personal consequences he had faced since the incident.
Fairbarn reportedly received death threats after taking Peachy.
He also could not leave the United States when his father died during the legal proceedings.
Willming acknowledged those difficulties but argued that Fairbarn’s own actions had created the situation.
Animal Rights Advocates Welcome Verdict
Animal welfare advocates welcomed the jury’s decision.
John Waudby, a Nevada animal rights advocate, praised the outcome outside the courtroom.
Waudby previously helped strengthen the state’s animal cruelty laws.
He believes the conviction sends a warning to anyone considering harming animals.
“I hope this sends a message to anybody else that wants to mess with our animals, that you’re not going to do it in Nevada,” he said.
The case has also drawn attention to the responsibilities of visitors at hotels and attractions that keep wildlife.
Animals in these environments depend on proper handling, safe surroundings and protection from unnecessary stress.
Las Vegas Flamingo Case Highlights Animal Welfare
The incident began as a late-night encounter at one of Las Vegas’s most recognisable hotels.
However, it quickly became a criminal case involving serious animal cruelty charges.
The jury rejected the defence’s argument that intoxication and poor judgment explained Fairbarn’s conduct without criminal intent.
Meanwhile, Peachy continues recovering under veterinary care.
The case now moves toward sentencing, when a judge will determine Fairbarn’s punishment.
For animal welfare advocates, the conviction represents an important reminder that harming animals can carry serious legal consequences, regardless of the circumstances.