In brief
When Canadian tourist Mitchell Fairbarn, heavily intoxicated, snatched a Chilean flamingo named Peachy from a Las Vegas hotel enclosure, he was later caught on video hauling the bird into his room. Experts confirmed bits of feather and blood loss, and a jury found him guilty of felony animal cruelty, sentencing him to nearly five years in prison. Peachy has largely recovered but remains nervous around people, while Fairbarn remains on house arrest. The case highlights the consequences of careless wildlife interactions.
A 34‑year‑old Canadian tourist, Mitchell Fairbarn, was found guilty of animal cruelty after he stole a Chilean flamingo named Peachy from the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
The lizard‑looking bird was taken during a drunken spree, with Fairbarn reportedly having drunk 30 to 40 beers that night, according to court testimony.
Video evidence showed Fairbarn carrying the flamingo by the neck inside an elevator and later walking it to his hotel room, where experts later confirmed the bird’s feathers were torn and it had suffered blood loss.
Fairbarn insists the act was a prank and blames alcohol, but a jury convicted him of felony and misdemeanor animal abuse charges, sentencing the case to a hearing in December.
Peachy has largely recovered but now appears more anxious around people, a state vet said, while Fairbarn remains on house arrest and cannot leave the U.S.
