Man Charged for Killing Girlfriend's Pet Rabbit in Alleged Domestic Violence Incident

Nikolas Hart faces up to 8 years in prison if convicted on all counts related to the February incident.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered rabbit's skull against a pitch-black background, conveying the violent nature of the alleged crime through the stark, dramatic lighting and intimate framing of the damaged evidence.A grim reminder that domestic violence often extends to harming defenseless animals, this close-up of a rabbit's crushed skull exposes the brutality of the alleged crime.Los Angeles Today

Nikolas Hart, 25, has been charged with one felony count of animal cruelty and four misdemeanor counts, including injury to a spouse or cohabitant, for allegedly stomping on his girlfriend's 2-month-old pet rabbit 'Momo' in a 'fit of rage' in February. Prosecutors say Hart then put the rabbit in a trash bag and threw it to the ground from their second-story apartment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the intersection of domestic violence and animal cruelty, which are often linked. Prosecutors say Hart has a history of assaulting his girlfriend, and the killing of her pet rabbit is seen as an escalation of his alleged abusive behavior.

The details

According to prosecutors, on February 11 around 9 p.m., Hart stomped on the rabbit, causing blunt force trauma to its chest, abdomen, and face. He then allegedly put the animal in a trash bag and threw it from their second-story apartment. The rabbit's cause of death was ruled as blunt force trauma.

  • The alleged incident occurred on February 11, 2026 around 9 p.m.
  • Hart was arraigned on April 6, 2026 and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The players

Nikolas Hart

A 25-year-old man charged with one felony count of animal cruelty and four misdemeanor counts, including injury to a spouse or cohabitant, for allegedly killing his girlfriend's 2-month-old pet rabbit.

Momo

The 2-month-old pet rabbit that prosecutors say Hart killed by stomping on it in a 'fit of rage'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This defendant is accused of assaulting his girlfriend on prior occasions, then later killing a defenseless animal in a violent outburst. 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.”

— Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

What’s next

Hart is scheduled to appear on April 16 at Van Nuys Courthouse for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 8 years in state prison.

The takeaway

This case highlights the troubling connection between domestic violence and animal cruelty, underscoring the need for stronger protections and intervention programs to address these interrelated issues and prevent further escalation of abuse.