VAN NUYS, Calif. (TNND) — A California man was accused of killing his girlfriend’s 2-month-old pet rabbit by stomping on it and throwing the animal to the ground from the couple’s apartment.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office identified him as Nikolas Hart, 25.
“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. We will prove these charges in court and seek the full punishment under the law,” he added.
Hochman said Hart was arrested on the following charges:
One felony count of animal crueltyOne misdemeanor count each of injury to a spouse or cohabitant and attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim/witnessThree misdemeanor counts of disobeying a court order to not contact the victim
Hart pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, said Hochman.
Prosecutors said Hart killed the rabbit, whose name was Momo, during what authorities described as a violent outburst inside the couple’s apartment on February 11.
Hart allegedly stomped on the animal and then placed it in a trash bag before throwing it from their second-story apartment. The rabbit died from blunt force injuries, officials said.
Authorities also said Hart previously assaulted his girlfriend and violated court orders prohibiting contact with her.
Hart’s bail was set at $150,000. A judge issued a protective order barring him from owning or possessing animals while the case is pending.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 16.
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If convicted, prosecutors said he faces up to eight years in state prison.