A court has found Canadian tourist Mitchell Fairbarn guilty of animal cruelty after he broke into a resort habitat and stole a live Chilean flamingo.
The 27-year-old Ontario resident was caught after snatching the flamingo, named Peachy, from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino to take to his room.
Witnesses alerted authorities after spotting Fairbarn attempting to hold a conversation with the tropical bird inside the resort.
When questioned by responding officers, the tourist reportedly claimed he believed the bird was a giant lawn ornament that he wanted to keep as a souvenir.
Although Peachy was safely returned to the habitat, a state veterinarian confirmed the incident has caused the bird to display a more anxious demeanour around humans.
Following his conviction, Fairbarn now faces potential imprisonment and substantial financial penalties at his upcoming sentencing hearing.
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