Authorities say Fairbarn, who faces two counts of animal cruelty, was drunk at the time of the theft. Now on trial, he told a Nevada court on Friday that he took the bird as a “silly pranky joke” after drinking between 30 and 40 beers.
He denied malicious intent to hurt or kill the flamingo.
Peachy suffered seven to eight missing feathers, broken shafts and blood loss consistent with trauma and needed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and weeks of pain medicine to recover, the bird’s veterinarian said.
Prosecutors opened the trial last week with surveillance footage, photos and Snapchats showing Fairbarn smiling, laughing and grabbing Peachy by the neck along with his two friends.
The veterinarian said grabbing Peachy by the neck was inappropriate — and could have potentially been fatal.
During his testimony Friday, Fairbarn testified that he grew up on farms, owns dogs and a parrot named Sonny. He said he once rescued an abandoned llama and six ducks.
Then he should know better! Hope Peachy is doing fine now.