Man who stole flamingo from Vegas hotel after allegedly drinking over 30 beers convicted of animal cruelty

Key Points:

• Mitchell Fairbarn, a Canadian tourist, was convicted of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges for removing a flamingo named Peachy from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and causing harm to the bird.
• Prosecutors argued Fairbarn maliciously caused physical pain to Peachy, who was found with missing feathers, blood, and wing injuries after being taken to Fairbarn’s hotel room, while the defense claimed the act was drunken foolishness without intent to harm.
• Fairbarn remains under house arrest awaiting sentencing on December 1 and faces up to four years in prison for the felony and six months for the misdemeanor conviction.
• The flamingo is physically recovering but remains anxious, according to its veterinarian, and animal rights advocates praised the verdict as a strong message against animal cruelty in Nevada.
• During the trial, evidence including video footage and witness testimony was presented, and Fairbarn expressed regret for his actions, attributing them to intoxication after consuming 30 to 40 beers over 24 hours.