Mitchell Fairbarn, a 34-year-old Canadian contractor, testified that he drank 30 to 40 beers in the hours before taking a flamingo named Peachy from its habitat at the Flamingo resort on March 3. He said he and his friends had arrived in Las Vegas a day early for a construction convention and 'let loose,' grabbing beers up and down the Strip.
Fairbarn said he entered the enclosure, picked up the bird, and took his shirt off to contain its wings and protect it from waist-high hedges. He stated he had been taught by relatives on his farm how to handle birds like turkeys, ducks, and chickens, and that he held the flamingo by the base of its neck as it moved quickly.
He said he did not slam or drag the bird and did not believe it felt its life was endangered. Fairbarn said he thought the act would be a silly joke and did not intend to hurt Peachy, adding that he expected only to be kicked out and cited for trespassing when arrested. He now faces two counts of animal cruelty.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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