A Canadian tourist accused of dragging and injuring flamingos at a Las Vegas Strip hotel failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing Monday morning.
Mitchell Fairbarn, 33, of Ontario, Canada, faces four counts of animal cruelty, according to court records. Although Fairbarn did not attend the hearing, his attorney acknowledged the charges on his behalf, allowing the case to proceed.
According to an arrest report, surveillance video shows Fairbarn entering the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and grabbing several flamingos. Authorities say he cornered the birds, dragging them out of their enclosure, before carrying one of them back to his hotel room.
When questioned by officers, Fairbarn allegedly said he had been drinking and claimed he took the Flamingo to his room to “pop” its wing back into place.
Caesars Entertainment, which owns the Flamingo, said the birds involved in the incident will make full recoveries.
Fairbarn’s bail is $12,000. He is to return to court on May 6.
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