A thug from North Hollywood is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after prosecutors say he killed his girlfriend’s pet rabbit during a violent outburst.
Nikolas Hart, 25, is accused of killing a two-month-old rabbit named Momo in a domestic violence incident, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Hart faces one felony count of animal cruelty, as well as misdemeanor charges for injuring a spouse or cohabitant, attempting to dissuade a victim or witness, and three counts of violating a court order prohibiting contact with the victim.
The court also issued a protective order prohibiting Hart from owning, possessing, or caring for any animals.
Prosecutors allege the incident happened on Feb. 11 around 9 p.m. while Hart was living with his girlfriend. He is accused of stomping on the rabbit in a fit of rage. He then allegedly placed the animal in a trash bag and threw it from the couple’s second-story apartment.
The rabbit died from blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen, and face.
Hart is also accused of previously assaulting his girlfriend.
“This defendant is accused of assaulting his girlfriend on prior occasions, then later killing a defenseless animal in a violent outburst,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“That kind of criminal behavior will land you in prison. We will prove these charges in court and seek the full punishment under the law.”
Hart has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 16, and bail was set at $150,000.
If convicted, he faces up to eight years in state prison.
