Canadian tourist convicted of animal cruelty after stealing flamingo from Las Vegas hotel

A 34-year-old Canadian tourist, Mitchell Fairbarn, has been found guilty of animal cruelty after stealing a live flamingo from the Flamingo hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The incident occurred on March 3, when security footage captured Fairbarn jumping a fence and seizing the bird by its neck. He subsequently transported the animal to his hotel room, later claiming in court that he had consumed between 30 and 40 beers and intended the act as a prank.

The bird, named Peachy, suffered significant injuries during the abduction, including loss of feathers and bleeding wounds. According to veterinary testimony, the flamingo required several weeks of medical treatment to recover from the trauma, during which staff observed the animal trembling and bleeding.

Fairbarn faces a potential prison sentence of up to four and a half years for his actions. The legal proceedings highlight the severe consequences of his behavior, as the defense of it being a drunken prank was insufficient to mitigate the physical harm inflicted upon the animal.