In the city of Las Vegas, the saying “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” was challenged when a Canadian man allegedly stole a flamingo after consuming a large amount of alcohol, attracting international attention.
The accused, Mitchell Fairbarn from Ontario, faced animal cruelty charges in a Las Vegas court for harming a flamingo named Peachy at a well-known hotel. Prosecutors claimed that Fairbarn’s actions were the result of a drunken and intentional act, leading to his recent conviction on felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.
Fairbarn, described as a contractor from rural Ontario, admitted to consuming a significant amount of alcohol, around “30 to 40 beers,” while attending a construction expo in Las Vegas. He entered the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s wildlife habitat in the early hours of March 3 and took the flamingo, believing it to be a harmless prank.
Video evidence presented during the trial showed Fairbarn handling the flamingo inappropriately, causing physical harm to the bird. Witnesses testified to the distressing condition of the flamingo, including missing feathers, broken shafts, and signs of trauma. Fortunately, Peachy received medical treatment, including antibiotics and pain medication, and has since recovered.
Despite Fairbarn’s claim that his actions were not malicious, prosecutors argued that his behavior caused unnecessary harm to the bird. Fairbarn’s defense attorney acknowledged his client’s regrettable actions while under the influence of alcohol, emphasizing that no harm was intended. Fairbarn has been under house arrest in Nevada since the incident, awaiting sentencing.
Animal rights advocates, including Nevada activist John Waudby, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the trial, hoping it would deter future incidents of animal cruelty in the state. The hotel where Peachy resides praised the efforts of law enforcement and animal care professionals in ensuring the well-being of the animals.
The incident involving Peachy is one of several recent cases of animal cruelty at Las Vegas casinos, highlighting the importance of upholding animal welfare laws in the region. Other incidents include a woman grabbing a duckling from a fountain at The Venetian and a teenage girl accused of harming horses at a local equestrian center.