A couple from Winnipeg has admitted guilt to numerous counts of animal cruelty. The duo, Irene Lima, 56, and Chad Kabecz, 41, were apprehended in October 2024 for producing and vending videos depicting animals undergoing torture and death on a messaging platform. Over 90 animals, including kittens, birds, and an axolotl, were involved in their enterprise.
The arrest followed a tip to Manitoba’s provincial veterinarian about a Telegram group named Goddess May Barefoot Premium Crush, with over 100 members. This group shared and traded videos of animals being crushed to death. Crown attorney Boyd McGill disclosed these details in a Winnipeg court session.
The content, mainly distributed on the dark web, showcased animals being harmed and killed. McGill pointed out that the Telegram group had a price list for various animals, from a baby mouse priced at $5 to a trio of kittens for $180. Lima would crush these animals with her own feet, while Kabecz filmed the acts, often with a sexual element included.
The evidence reviewed by prosecutors revealed that more than 97 animals were subjected to torture and death by the couple. This included over 60 cats and kittens, seven birds, six rabbits, six hamsters, three goldfish, a frog, and an axolotl. Both Lima and Kabecz pleaded guilty to six counts of animal cruelty each and are currently in custody.
The couple was brought into court restrained in shackles and heard the accusations against them quietly. After seizing electronic devices from the couple, the police discovered numerous videos depicting the killing of animals and discussions between Lima and Kabecz on escalating their behavior.
According to McGill, PayPal records indicated that the videos generated approximately $2,800 in profit from May to October 2024. Prior to their guilty pleas, a group of demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse, demanding severe punishment for the couple. Lima and Kabecz are set to be sentenced later, following the submission of pre-sentence reports.
Both lawyers representing the couple acknowledged the severity of the case, with Lima’s lawyer stating it surpassed any other animal cruelty cases he had handled. Kabecz’s lawyer expressed understanding of the public outrage but emphasized the need for a fair legal process. The sentencing hearing is expected to provide more insights into the case and the defendants’ motivations.