April 6, 2026: Man Charged with Killing Girlfriend’s Pet Rabbit in Felony Animal Cruelty Case

Nikolas Hart is accused of stomping on the rabbit, Momo, then throwing him to the ground from the couple's second-story apartment

VAN NUYS, Calif. - A 25-year-old North Hollywood man has been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts in a case alleging domestic violence and animal cruelty in the killing of his girlfriend's two-month-old rabbit.

"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. "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."

Nikolas Hart (dob 7/25/00) is charged in case 26VWCF00711 with one felony count of animal cruelty; one misdemeanor count each of injury to a spouse or cohabitant and attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim/witness; and three misdemeanor counts of disobeying a court order to not contact the victim. He pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment today. Hart's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 16 in Department 122 of the Van Nuys Courthouse. Bail was set at $150,000. The Court issued a protective order prohibiting the defendant from owning, possessing or having any animals in his care or custody.

On Feb. 11 at about 9 p.m., Hart, who lived with his girlfriend, is accused of stomping on her pet rabbit, Momo, in a fit of rage, then placing the animal in a trash bag and throwing him to the ground from their second-story apartment. The rabbit died from blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen and face.

Hart is accused of assaulting his girlfriend on previous occasions.

If convicted as charged, Hart faces up to eight years in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sara Antoun of the Van Nuys Branch in partnership with the Animal Cruelty Section and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The charges in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.