A Los Angeles man stomped on his girlfriend’s baby rabbit, Momo, in a “fit of rage” before he allegedly threw her pet out of their second-story apartment, killing the creature, authorities said.
Nikolas Hart, of North Hollywood, is accused of previous physical assaults against his girlfriend before the fatal attack on her 2-month-old rabbit, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Hart, 25, is facing felony and misdemeanor domestic violence charges as well as one felony count of animal cruelty, prosecutors announced in a Monday, April 6, news release.
“This defendant is accused of assaulting his girlfriend on prior occasions, then later killing a defenseless animal in a violent outburst,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “That kind of criminal behavior will land you in prison.”
At an April 6 arraignment, Hart pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, including animal cruelty, one count of injury to a spouse or cohabitant, one count of attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim/witness, and three counts of disobeying a court order to not contact a victim, according to prosecutors.
It was not immediately clear whether Hart had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
While living with his girlfriend, Hart allegedly stomped on her male rabbit, Momo, and then placed the animal inside a trash bag before throwing him out of their apartment, according to the district attorney’s office.
“The rabbit died from blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen and face,” prosecutors said in the news release.
Hochman vowed that his office would seek to prosecute Hart to the fullest extent.
If he is found guilty of all charges, Hart would face up to eight years in prison, prosecutors said.
Hart had his bail set at $150,000 on April 6, according to the district attorney’s office.
A court order prevents him from “owning, possessing or having any animals in his care or custody,” prosecutors said.
The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate Hart, according to the district attorney’s office.
Hart is due to appear at the Van Nuys Courthouse for a preliminary hearing set for April 16, prosecutors said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
If you know of or suspect animal abuse or neglect, you are urged to contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals through their website or call your local animal control officer.
