A Canadian tourist was found guilty Monday of animal cruelty charges after removing a flamingo named Peachy from its enclosure at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Nevada. The incident occurred on March 3, when Mitchell Fairbarn, a visitor from Ontario, took the 27-year-old Chilean flamingo from its habitat and carried the distressed bird to his hotel room.

Prosecutors characterized the act as a malicious prank that caused physical pain and emotional distress to the bird. Court evidence included security footage showing Fairbarn handling the squawking flamingo in an elevator and hallway, during which the bird reportedly suffered injuries to its wings and lost several feathers. Veterinarian Tiffany Moore, medical director of Lone Mountain Animal Hospital, testified that while Peachy has physically recovered, the bird remains noticeably anxious and nervous.

Fairbarn’s defense attorney, Josh Tomsheck, argued that the actions were the result of intoxication and poor judgment rather than intentional harm. He acknowledged that his client made bad decisions while drunk but denied any deliberate cruelty to the bird, an element central to the felony charge.

After approximately five hours of deliberations in a Nevada courtroom, a jury convicted Fairbarn on both felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty counts. The accused was seen visibly distressed during the proceedings and remained silent upon exiting the courthouse, accompanied by his wife. Sentencing is scheduled for December 1. Fairbarn faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction and an additional possible six months for the misdemeanor charge. He remains under house arrest pending sentencing.

Authorities responded promptly when hotel security reported the flamingo had been taken. Upon recovery, Peachy was found with injuries and blood on its feathers. Prosecutors stressed the severity of the harm caused and highlighted the risk to animals kept in habitats frequented by tourists.

Clark County prosecutor Haley Willming noted that Fairbarn had endured personal hardships, including death threats and restrictions on travel after the death of a family member during the trial. However, the prosecutor emphasized that the consequences Fairbarn faced were a direct result of his own decisions.

Nevada animal rights advocate John Waudby, who has been involved in legislative efforts to strengthen animal cruelty laws in the state, expressed approval of the verdict. Waudby said the outcome should serve as a warning against mistreatment of animals in Nevada, underscoring the legal protections in place for wildlife and captive animals alike.