Warning: This story contains images depicting alleged animal cruelty
A Canadian tourist from Ontario is facing animal cruelty charges in Las Vegas after police allege he broke into the Flamingo hotel’s wildlife habitat, chased several flamingos and carried one of the birds back to his room.
Officials with Las Vegas Metropolitan police say the incident happened on March 3, shortly after 5 a.m.
In documents obtained by CTV News Toronto, police say surveillance footage and videos recovered from the man’s cellphone show a series of encounters with the birds inside the habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and later in a hotel hallway and room.
Officials note the bird suffered injuries after the man attempted to “pop” its wing back into place.
As a result, the Canadian tourist, identified by police as Mitchell Grant Fairbarn was arrested on March 3 at about 6 a.m.
Court documents list Fairbarn’s residence as Sutherland, Ont., however no such town exists. However, there is a Sunderland, Ont., in Durham Region.
Fairbarn is charged with four counts of Willful/Malicious Torture/Maim/Kill an Animal.
What led up to the incident?
According to the report, hotel surveillance video captured Fairbarn entering the habitat area in the early morning hours.
Investigators allege that at approximately 5 a.m., Fairbarn approached one flamingo, grabbed it by the legs and pulled it to the ground.
Police say the video shows him holding the bird down as it attempted to escape and later pinning it to the ground again while taking a photo with his cellphone.
The flamingo eventually escaped and swam away.
About seven minutes later, police allege Fairbarn targeted a second flamingo.
Investigators say he waded into the water, chased several birds and eventually grabbed one, dragging it across the habitat and holding it by its legs and neck while it attempted to break free.
Fairbarn was then seen walking into a hallway with the flamingo wrapped in a grey shirt before entering an elevator and travelling to the 14th floor.
A closer look at video surveillance
Later that day, investigators say they obtained a search warrant for Fairbarn’s hotel room.
Police say the warrant allowed officers to seize items including bedding, blood samples, feathers, clothing and his cellphone.
“While executing the search warrant in Fairbarn’s room; a large bloody feather along with multiple small pink colored feathers were located,” the report states.
Officers also recovered the grey shirt allegedly used to carry the bird.
The cellphone contained multiple photos and videos showing the flamingo inside the hotel hallway and room. In one video recorded at around 5:32 a.m., investigators allege Fairbarn is seen approaching the bird and placing both hands on it.
Police say the video shows him choking the flamingo while it screamed.
“He then uses his right hand to choke the flamingo by the neck. The animal scream and cries, but Fairbarn holds it tighter and bring it down to the ground,” official said.
On the video, investigators allege he could be heard laughing and saying “I’m taking it home” while holding the bird.
The bird’s injuries
Animal protection officials also examined the birds involved in the incident.
According to police, flamingos grow new feathers that have a blood supply until they mature.
Investigators allege that when Fairbarn attempted to “pop” the wing back into place, the bird’s wing was injured and a blood supply was ruptured.
Police say the injury required “multiple stitches” for the bird to recover movement.
Fairbarn allegedly later told detectives he had been drinking and entered the habitat while walking the casino floor.
Police say he acknowledged seeing warning signs prohibiting guests from entering the area or touching the birds.
Allegedly, Fairbarn told investigators there were “no excuses” for his actions and admitted he has no veterinary experience, adding that he believed he was helping the bird.
A ‘deeply distressing incident’
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Caesars Entertainment said it was aware of the incident and condemned the alleged actions.
“We are aware of the deeply distressing incident involving a guest who was arrested for breaking into our Wildlife Habitat and assaulting our flamingos,” the company said.
“The safety and well-being 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.”
The company said one of the birds involved, named Peachy, was taken from the habitat but is now receiving care from veterinarians and the resort’s animal care team.
“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,” the statement said.
“We remain hopeful they will make a full recovery.”
CTV News has reached out to Fairbarn’s lawyer for comment, however we have not heard back at this time.
