Joseph Petcka Begins Trial Thursday for Killing Lisa Altobelli's Cat

Joseph Petcka took the stand Thursday after being charged with bludgeoning his ex-girlfriend Lisa Altobelli's cat Norman to death in New York.

Petcka, 37, was arguing with his ex-girfriend Lisa Altobelli in March 2007 and the two had a very heated exchange. "You love that cat more than me!" stated Petcka moments before he began kicking the cat in Altobelli's SoHo apartment.

Petcka, who has appeared in Brawny paper towel ads and "Sex and the City," repeatedly kicked the 7-pound cat, killing the tabby. Norman died from injuries that included three broken ribs and torn lungs, according to medical reports.

It took 17 months to bring Petcka to trial because prosecutors insisted he face a felony count of aggravated cruelty to animals. He now faces up to two years in jail.

On Thursday, Petcka, a former New York Mets prospect, claimed self-defense, saying that the cat was biting him. Altobelli, a writer for Sports Illustrated, took the stand, saying that Petcka was drinking the night of the incident and was getting physical with her.

Altobelli said that Petcka began hissing for the cat to call his attention. He then came back into her room and kneed her while she was in bed, saying that Norman had bit him. Altobelli then grabbed her purse, stormed out after telling Petcka to leave or she would call 911.

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