Shirtless Tourist Faces Felony Charges After Alleged Flamingo Kidnapping and Torture in Las Vegas
In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the Las Vegas community, a shirtless tourist has been charged with multiple felony counts of animal cruelty after allegedly kidnapping a live flamingo from a resort, taking it to his hotel room, and torturing it. Mitchell Fairbarn, aged 33, is facing four felony charges following the alleged events that unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, as confirmed by police reports and surveillance evidence.
Surveillance Footage and Police Reports Detail Alleged Abuse
According to authorities, the incident was captured on surveillance cameras at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, with additional images discovered on Fairbarn's mobile phone. Photos released by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department show a topless Fairbarn holding the bird, identified as Peachy, in a hotel elevator. Further images depict him grabbing the flamingo by the neck in a doorway, indicating a pattern of alleged mistreatment.
Police reports obtained by media outlets such as FOX5 reveal that Fairbarn was detained by hotel security after breaking into the exotic birds' habitat. Footage reportedly shows him grabbing one of the flamingos by its legs and dragging it to the ground on two separate occasions. Animal control officials stated that Fairbarn had "pulled the wing out of the bird's body" and injured several other flamingos during the altercation.
Alleged Torture and Disturbing Details Emerge
After the initial bird escaped, Fairbarn allegedly chased others before capturing one and wrapping it in a shirt. Animal Protection Services confirmed that one flamingo's wing was clipped during the incident. Surveillance videos then show him holding the bird in an elevator as he traveled to his room on the 14th floor. Additional footage provided by police depicts Fairbarn and an unidentified man wrestling with the distressed flamingo in a hallway.
In the videos, Fairbarn could reportedly be heard laughing and stating, "I'm taking it home," while the flamingo emitted screeching sounds, according to police per KLAS. During a police interview, Fairbarn claimed he was intoxicated and asserted that he had seen the flamingo in distress, attempting to "pop" its wing back into place as a good deed, citing his background as a farm boy. However, the report noted he lacked any qualifying experience to assist the animal in such a manner.
Hotel Response and Legal Consequences
Caesars Entertainment, which owns the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, issued a statement describing the incident as "deeply distressing." The company emphasized that the safety and well-being of their iconic flock are paramount and pledged to pursue charges against Fairbarn "to the fullest extent possible." The statement added that the affected birds, including Peachy, are under veterinary care, with hopes for a full recovery.
Following a search warrant execution, police reportedly found "a large bloody feather" and other materials in Fairbarn's room. On Wednesday, his bail was set at $12,000, with a judge ordering him to have no animals in his possession and to surrender his passport. The case has sparked widespread concern from guests and the community, highlighting issues of animal welfare in tourist destinations.
This incident underscores the severe legal repercussions for animal cruelty, with Fairbarn facing significant penalties if convicted. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate, ensuring that justice is served for the vulnerable flamingos affected by this alleged act of violence.
