A man from Ontario faced animal cruelty charges in a Las Vegas court for taking a flamingo named Peachy from its habitat at a famous Las Vegas hotel. The incident occurred in the early hours of March 3, and the man, Mitchell Fairbarn, was accused of injuring the flamingo while under the influence of alcohol. Fairbarn pleaded not guilty, and following a trial, he was convicted on felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. He is awaiting sentencing, facing a potential prison term of up to four years for the felony and six months for the misdemeanor.
Fairbarn, described as a contractor from rural Ontario, stated in court that he had consumed “30 to 40” beers during his time in Las Vegas for a construction expo. He admitted to taking the flamingo as a joke, thinking it would be humorous. The incident took place at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, where Fairbarn entered the flamingo habitat and removed Peachy.
Witnesses testified that Fairbarn was seen with the flamingo, and video evidence showed him holding the bird in the hotel. The flamingo was later found shaking and bleeding, with injuries including missing feathers and broken shafts. Peachy required medical treatment, including antibiotics and pain medication, to recover from the trauma.
Despite the defense’s argument that Fairbarn did not intend harm to the bird, prosecutors maintained that the act caused physical pain to Peachy. Fairbarn expressed regret for his actions while intoxicated and acknowledged making poor decisions. He has been under house arrest since the incident and had to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions.
Following the trial, Peachy has since recovered and is reported to be in good health. Caesars Entertainment, the hotel operator, expressed gratitude for the response of law enforcement and animal care professionals. Animal rights advocate John Waudby praised the verdict as delivering justice for Peachy and emphasized the importance of protecting animals from cruelty.
The case involving Peachy is one of several recent incidents of animal cruelty at Las Vegas casinos, highlighting the need to enforce animal protection laws in the region.