Canadian Tourist Convicted in Flamingo Injury Case, Faces Up to 4 Years
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
Canadian Tourist Convicted in Flamingo Injury Case, Faces Up to 4 Years
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
Summary
Mitchell Fairbarn was found guilty Monday of felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty after jurors deliberated about five hours over the March 3 incident at Flamingo Las Vegas.
Surveillance footage showed the Ontario tourist carrying 27-year-old Peachy through the hotel and into his room, where prosecutors said he caused pain by pulling the bird by its feet.
Peachy was later found missing seven or eight feathers, with blood on its plumage and wing injuries; the flamingo has recovered physically but remains more anxious during veterinary exams.
Fairbarn's lawyer said he was drunk and made bad decisions but did not intend to hurt the animal; he remains under house arrest ahead of Dec. 1 sentencing.
The conviction exposes him to up to four years in prison on the felony count and another six months on the misdemeanor in a case that drew intense public backlash.