A Canadian tourist has been found guilty of animal cruelty after taking a flamingo from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and carrying it to his hotel room.

A Nevada jury convicted Mitchell Fairbarn, of Ontario, on felony and misdemeanor charges on October 19, 2026. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1. He remains under house arrest and faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction, along with a possible additional six months for the misdemeanor.

The case centered on the treatment of Peachy, a 27-year-old Chilean flamingo removed from the resort’s wildlife habitat on March 3.

During the trial, jurors watched surveillance footage showing Fairbarn carrying the bird through a hotel hallway and holding it inside an elevator. Prosecutors argued that his handling of Peachy caused both pain and distress, pointing to the bird’s cries and feathers discovered on the floor.

Police became involved after hotel security reported that someone had taken a flamingo. Authorities said Peachy was found with wing injuries, blood on its plumage, and seven to eight missing feathers.

Although the bird has recovered physically, its veterinarian said its behavior has changed. Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, described Peachy as more nervous and anxious during examinations since the incident.

Fairbarn’s defense acknowledged that he should never have entered the enclosure or removed the bird. His attorney, Josh Tomsheck, argued, however, that Fairbarn had acted recklessly while intoxicated and had not intended to injure Peachy.

The question of intent was central to the defense’s argument against the felony charge. Prosecutors maintained that Fairbarn’s actions amounted to deliberate mistreatment, including causing pain by pulling the flamingo by its feet.

The proceedings also addressed the personal consequences Fairbarn experienced after his arrest. Jurors heard that he had received death threats and had been unable to leave the United States when his father died while he was awaiting trial. Prosecutor Haley Willming acknowledged those circumstances but argued that they did not excuse his conduct.

Nevada animal welfare advocate John Waudby welcomed the verdict. Speaking outside the courtroom, he said he hoped the outcome would discourage others from mistreating animals in the state.
Peachy belongs to the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo, one of the Las Vegas Strip’s oldest hotels. The attraction also houses turtles, koi, and other species.

The December sentencing hearing will determine Fairbarn’s punishment for the two convictions.

Source: Associated Press reporting.