Canadian tourist convicted of animal cruelty after taking flamingo from Las Vegas habitat
publishers 32articles 33first reported 19 Oct, 20:15 UTCdeveloping since 20 Oct · 8 editions
A Canadian tourist was 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 in March.
Mitchell Fairbarn, 34, of Ontario, removed the Chilean flamingo, named Peachy, from the resort’s wildlife habitat on March 3. Trial video showed him holding the bird in an elevator and carrying it through a hotel hallway. The BBC reported that jurors deliberated for about five hours before convicting him on felony and misdemeanor animal-abuse charges.
Prosecutors argued that Fairbarn willfully hurt Peachy. Animal experts testified that the bird lost feathers and blood, while footage showed it squawking as Fairbarn handled it. A state veterinarian said Peachy has largely recovered but is now more anxious around people.
Fairbarn testified that he had consumed 30 to 40 beers and thought taking the bird would be funny, but said he did not intend to cause harm. Defense attorney Josh Tomsheck characterized the incident as a drunken prank and argued that Fairbarn lacked the intent required for a felony conviction.
Fairbarn has been unable to leave the United States since his arrest and remains under house arrest in Las Vegas. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December, and he faces nearly five years in prison.
HOW THIS STORY WAS MADE
Written from 6 articles, 2 with the publisher's own text; 6 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one; this version written 12 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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- Source articles
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- Given to the writer
- 6, 2 with the article's own text
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- 6
- This version written
- 12 h after the record first saw the story
- Second model (editor)
- kept as written
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WHAT THE EDITOR DID
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