Tourist Dragged Flamingo to Hotel for a Photo... Faces Trial on Animal Cruelty Charges

Canadian Tourist Charged in Las Vegas, U.S.
Drank 40 Glasses of Beer and Was Heavily Intoxicated on the Day of the Incident

A bizarre incident unfolded at a hotel in Las Vegas, United States, when a drunken tourist brought in a "flamingo." The tourist was eventually brought to trial on animal cruelty charges.

According to U.S. media outlets including Fox 5 News on October 18, local time, Mitchell Fairburn, 34, a tourist from Canada, was charged with animal cruelty in Las Vegas and appeared in court.

A flamingo held in the arms of a Canadian tourist. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Fairburn is accused of trespassing on March 3 at a flamingo habitat in Las Vegas, taking a flamingo named "Peach" and bringing it to his hotel room. At the time of the incident, Fairburn was reportedly intoxicated after downing 40 beers and had wandered near the hotel while sleep-deprived before entering the habitat.

He reportedly initially intended only to look at the bird, but grabbed Peach to take a photo. He then carried Peach to his room, stayed there for 2-3 minutes, and left the bird in the hallway. He was arrested by police while changing his clothes so he could return Peach to its original habitat.

Peach was also injured during the incident. The veterinarian in charge testified that around 7-8 of Peach's feathers had been pulled out and that the bird had suffered bleeding and other trauma. The veterinarian treated Peach with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers.

Fairburn's defense, however, argued that he had no intention of harming Peach. He also said he had not noticed any injuries while he had the bird. He said he was not usually a heavy drinker and had never drunk as much as he did on the day of the incident.

Since the incident, Fairburn has been under house arrest and has been unable to return to his home country of Canada. The trial is expected to proceed to jury deliberations after closing arguments.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.