A couple in Winnipeg has admitted to committing numerous acts of animal cruelty, following their arrest for creating and selling videos depicting the torture and killing of animals on a messaging app. The couple, Irene Lima, 56, and Chad Kabecz, 41, were taken into custody in October 2024 after a tip-off to Manitoba’s provincial veterinarian about a Telegram group named Goddess May Barefoot Premium Crush. This group, with over 100 members, shared and sold videos showing animals being crushed to death.
The Crown attorney, Boyd McGill, disclosed in court that the couple had a price list for different animals that could be killed, with prices ranging from $5 for a baby mouse to $180 for a three-kitten family. Lima was responsible for crushing the animals with her bare feet while Kabecz recorded the videos, which often contained a sexual element.
McGill emphasized that the videos were clear evidence of animal cruelty, showing the suffering and pain endured by the animals. The evidence reviewed by prosecutors revealed that over 97 animals, including more than 60 cats and kittens, had been tortured and killed by Lima and Kabecz. Various species, such as birds, rabbits, hamsters, goldfish, a frog, and an axolotl, were among the victims.
The couple, who are currently in custody, pleaded guilty to six counts of animal cruelty each. McGill mentioned that after seizing electronic devices from them, the police discovered multiple videos depicting the killing of numerous animals and discussions between the couple about escalating their actions. Entries in Lima’s diary also described her enjoyment in killing things with her feet.
According to McGill, records from PayPal indicated that the videos had generated around $2,800 in profit from May to October 2024. The couple’s sentencing is pending, awaiting completion of court-ordered pre-sentence reports. Prosecutors intend to recommend a similar sentence for both Lima and Kabecz.
Before entering their guilty pleas, a group of protesters gathered outside the courthouse, advocating for severe punishment for the couple. Lawyers representing Lima and Kabecz acknowledged the severity of the case, with Lima’s lawyer mentioning the substantial amount of evidence to review. Kabecz’s lawyer expressed understanding of the public’s outrage towards the case but emphasized the need for a fair legal process.
The sentencing is scheduled for a later date, and McGill did not disclose the recommended sentence. Lima and Kabecz could face harsh penalties for their involvement in the cruel acts against animals.
