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LAS VEGAS (Gambling911.com) - Jury selection was scheduled to begin Tuesday in the trial of a Canadian tourist accused of stealing a beloved flamingo from the aptly named Flamingo Las Vegas casino on the Strip.
Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, faces four counts of animal cruelty in connection with the March incident involving Peachy.
Fairbarn claims he was drunk when he allegedly removed the flamingo from his natural habitat and forcefully took him back up to his hotel room during the early morning hours of March 3. Surveillance video captured much of the incident.
Fairbarn was said to have injured several birds in addition to Peachy. All are recovering well according to casino officials.
One condition of Fairbarn’s March 9 bail was that he surrender her passport, meaning he has not been able to return home to Canada.
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Las Vegas residents, in particular, were outraged by the incident at the time. Flamingos hold a special place in Las Vegas history. Although they aren't native to Nevada, they've become one of the city's most recognizable symbols, representing its tropical fantasy, colorful entertainment and old-school casino glamour.
"That is pretty messed up."
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"F***this guy. I hope he gets serious jail time."
"He should be banned for life and not allowed any where near Vegas or any wildlife. Also needs to be in jail."
"My faith in humanity is being tested by the hour.."
"Well at least Canadians are visiting Vegas again.,"
The trial is expected to last a week.
If found guilty, Fairbarn faces one to four years for each count of cruelty under Nevada law.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
