LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The man accused of injuring a flamingo while stealing it from its habitat along the Las Vegas Strip appeared in court ahead of the start of his trial.
Mitchell Fairbarn in court is facing animal-abuse charges following the March 3 incident at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino’s flamingo habitat.
During Tuesday’s hearing, both the defense and state discussed the trial setting for next week. The state is expected to call seven to ten witnesses while the defense says they will be calling about three or four.
The trial is expected to last one week, with a schedule set to be finalized by Wednesday, according to the judge.
When approached by FOX5’s Victoria Saha, who was asking for comment following the hearing, Fairbarn replied, “you will find out the truth next week.”
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According to an arrest report, surveillance footage captured Fairbarn grabbing one flamingo from the habitat by the legs and pulling it to the ground. The bird, later identified as ‘Peachy,’ tried to escape, but Fairbarn dragged it down a second time.
In additional video footage, Fairbarn could also be heard saying “I’m taking it home.” The flamingo could also be heard screaming and crying, the report adds.
Last month, a judge denied a motion to modify Fairbarn’s release conditions. According to the motion, Fairbarn, who is Canadian citizen, was in Las Vegas for a work-related conference at the time of the incident and has been unable to return home since.
The motion was denied after it was found that Fairbarn is flight risk with no ties to Nevada, among other findings.
A trial is slated to begin on October 13.
Stay with FOX5 for continuing coverage throughout the trial.
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