A Canadian tourist accused of stealing a flamingo and torturing several others at a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has pleaded not guilty. Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, of Brampton, entered the plea during an arraignment hearing on Tuesday. He is facing four charges of federal animal cruelty after being accused of breaking into the bird habitat at the Flamingo Hotel on March 3.
What did Fairbarn allegedly do?
According to court records reported by KVVU-TV, police say Fairbarn injured several birds, pinning one down, before snatching a specific flamingo named Peachy. Surveillance footage obtained by Las Vegas police showed the man entering an elevator with Peachy under his arm as another man stood next to him. The video footage later showed the bird being forcibly handled by the neck and legs as Fairbarn walked down a hallway towards his room.
Police searched Fairbarn’s room, where they found a “large bloody feather” along with several photos and videos on his phone of the man with Peachy. The pics and video allegedly showed him choking the flamingo and throwing it on the floor.
Fairbarn’s explanation and animal control findings
When questioned by police, Fairbarn reportedly told them he entered the bird habitat because he saw a flamingo in distress. He told authorities he “popped” the bird’s wing back into place, KLAS reported at the time. However, animal control told cops that the man injured Peachy and several other birds after he “pulled the wing out of the bird’s body.” Peachy suffered a damaged wing and a ruptured blood supply from the incident, KSNV reported.
Legal proceedings and restrictions
After his arrest, Fairbarn surrendered his passport and was banned from leaving the United States until the court case ends. He is also banned from visiting the Las Vegas Strip and having contact with animals, KLAS reported. Fairbarn posted bond shortly after his arrest. A jury trial has been scheduled to begin on Oct. 12, according to KLAS.
