Home / Crime
Nikolas Hart charged with animal cruelty after allegedly stomping on rabbit
Animal cruelty charges were filed against Nikolas Hart following the death of Momo
A 25-year-old man from Los Angeles, Nikolas Hart, has been charged with felony animal cruelty and multiple misdemeanours following a violent domestic incident involving his girlfriend’s pet.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced that Hart allegedly killed a two-month-old infant rabbit named Momo during a "fit of rage" on 11 February 2026.
Hart appeared for his arraignment on 6 April, where he pleaded not guilty to all five charges brought against him.
Prosecutors allege that Hart stomped on the defenceless animal at the apartment he shared with his partner before placing it in a bin bag and throwing it from a second-storey balcony.
A post-mortem examination determined that Momo died from blunt force trauma to the chest, abdomen, and face. District Attorney Nathan J.
Hochman stated: "This defendant is accused of assaulting his girlfriend on prior occasions, then later killing a defenceless animal in a violent outburst. That kind of criminal behaviour will land you in prison."
In addition to animal cruelty, Hart faces charges of injuring a spouse or cohabitant and attempting to dissuade a witness. He is also accused of thrice disobeying court orders regarding victim contact.
The court has since issued a protective order prohibiting Hart from owning any animals, and his bail was set at $150,000.
He is scheduled to return to the Van Nuys Courthouse on 16 April 2026 for a preliminary hearing. If convicted on all counts, Hart could face a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison.
