LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Canadian tourist accused of injuring several flamingos on the Las Vegas Strip has pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
On Tuesday, Mitchell Fairbarn appeared in court and entered that plea.
Fairbarn was arrested after video surveillance showed him allegedly grabbing a flamingo from the habitat at the Flamingo resort and casino just after 5 a.m. on March 4. Additional videos and photos also showed him choking a flamingo, authorities previously said.
"Fairbarn is seen laughing in the video and says 'I'm taking it home' as he walks back to his room, depicting a big 'Fairbarn' tattoo on his upper back," an arrest report reads in part.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Man charged with animal cruelty after allegedly harming flamingos
When police spoke with Fairbarn, the arrest report said he told officers he entered the habitat because he saw a flamingo in distress. He stated he "popped" its wing back into place, despite various signs warning the public not to enter the habitat. Authorities stated that when he did that, he injured the bird's wing and ruptured its blood supply.
According to the arrest report, Fairbarn admitted to his action being "repulsive" and stated he "doesn't remember chasing the other flamingos around, due to his level of intoxication."
The flamingos involved in the incident have since recovered from their injuries.
As for Fairbarn, he's due back in court on Oct. 6.
-
Gang rivalry led to Hollywood Regional Park shooting, arrest report says
Over the past week, 19-year-old Jayden Torres and 16-year-old Kassandra Orozco were arrested on charges of open murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with this case.
Las Vegas police share video of officer's fatal encounter with armed man outside Walmart store
Video shared by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on Friday offers new insight into the circumstances that led an officer to fatally shoot a man outside a local Walmart store.
Las Vegas teen arrested in connection to Santa Monica fatal shooting
On Monday, around 12:32 a.m., officers responded to a report of a possible shooting near the Santa Monica Pier, according to a release from the Santa Monica Police Department.
NLVPD shares new details after man 'randomly firing' AR-15 dies after arrest
Channel 13 received a critical incident briefing from NLVPD after a man died after being taken into custody following a shooting in a neighborhood.
