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A Canadian visitor’s night out in Las Vegas took an unexpected twist when, according to officials, he decided to stroll into a resort and casino and make off with one of their flamingos.
Authorities report that 33-year-old Mitchell Fairbarn was taken into custody on Tuesday, facing four felony accusations of animal cruelty. This came after he allegedly snatched a flamingo named Peachy from an outdoor exhibit at a Las Vegas Strip resort around 5 a.m., as detailed by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The incident caused quite a stir, with surveillance footage purportedly capturing Fairbarn entering the enclosure and forcefully seizing the flamingo by its legs.
Police noted that other birds within the habitat also sustained injuries during the episode.
Mitchell Fairbarn is charged with four felony counts of animal abuse following his alleged removal of a flamingo named Peachy from the wildlife area at a Las Vegas Strip resort. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
Authorities allege Fairbarn brought Peachy to his 14th-floor hotel room, where officers later found feathers and blood.
Police also cited video from a cellphone that they say shows the 33-year-old posing with the bird in the casino’s hallways and hotel room.
Las Vegas flamingo named Peachy was injured after a Canadian man allegedly grabbed him from his casino habitat during a drinking binge. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
When interviewed by officers, Fairbarn said he had been drinking and claimed he was attempting to help the flamingo, telling police he believed the bird’s wing was injured and that he was trying to “pop it back into place,” according to an arrest report obtained by FOX 5.
Police described the handling as harmful and intentional. Peachy’s wing was injured during the incident and the bird is receiving veterinary care, hotel officials said.
Mitchell Fairbarn allegedly grabbed a flamingo from the Flamingo Las Vegas wildlife habitat at 5 a.m. and brought the injured bird to his 14th-floor room, police say. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
According to the resort and casino, the Flamingo’s wildlife habitat, an attraction at the Caesars Entertainment property, houses Chilean flamingos and other animals in a garden setting just steps from casino floors and cocktail service.
In a statement, Caesars Entertainment condemned the incident, calling it “cruel and unlawful behavior” and saying the company is cooperating with law enforcement.
“Our wildlife habitat team works diligently to ensure the health and safety of the animals in our care,” they said.
Las Vegas police charged Mitchell Fairbarn with four felony counts after authorities say he removed a flamingo from a casino habitat, injuring the bird and others in the enclosure. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department)
Fairbarn remains in custody pending court proceedings. His initial court date is scheduled for Monday, March 9.
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