Canadian tourist charged after allegedly torturing flamingo at Las Vegas hotel

Warning: This article contains descriptions of animal abuse.

A Canadian tourist is facing animal torture charges after allegedly kidnapping and abusing a flamingo in Las Vegas.

Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, was staying at the Flamingo Hotel on the iconic Las Vegas Strip where he was drinking heavily, reported News 3 Las Vegas.

Local police said Fairbarn broke into the hotel’s habitat enclosure and stole “Peachy” the flamingo about 5am on Wednesday.

The hotel hosts a flock of Chilean flamingos, as well as pelicans, swans, ducks, koi fish and turtles.

Inside the enclosure, Fairbarn pinned down the bird, injuring its wing as he tried to capture it, reported News 3 Las Vegas.

Video evidence then showed Fairbarn walking shirtless through the hotel clutching the distressed bird.

The Canadian was identified by the large tattoo across his back that read “Fairbarn”, according to the police report.

Police discovered multiple videos and pictures on Fairbarn’s cellphone of him torturing the flamingo in his hotel room. According to police, Fairbarn had no remorse for the harm he caused the animal.

Images from police showing Mitchell Fairbarn in a Las Vegas hotel with a flamingo he allegedly kidnapped. of Photo / Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

Footage showed him choking and throwing the animal to the ground multiple times while laughing, “with absolutely no regard for the safety and wellness of the animal”, said the police report.

Fairbarn was arrested and charged with four counts of animal cruelty.

While executing a search warrant police found a large bloody feather, reported News 3 Las Vegas.

“Some feathers are called blood feathers, so if those are removed, it’s very painful, it’s almost like removing a toenail or fingernail on a human being because it’s still growing and it’s still attached to a blood supply,” veterinarian Dr Katherine Fogelberg told News 3 Las Vegas.

Caesars Entertainment said the incident was deeply distressing.

“The safety and wellbeing of our iconic flock are of the utmost importance to us, and we will be pursuing charges against this individual to the fullest extent possible.

“Our beloved birds, including Peachy, who was cruelly taken from the habitat, are currently in the care of dedicated veterinarians and our extraordinary flamingo animal care team. We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”

Caesars Entertainment was grateful to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their swift response.

Peachy the flamingo is now in recovery, reported News 3 Las Vegas.

Fairbarn posted bond and is due in court March 9 to face animal cruelty charges.