Man claims self-defense in cat killing

NEW YORK, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- His lawyer says former minor league pitcher Joseph Petcka was acting in self-defense when he allegedly killed his girlfriend's cat, Norman.

The 205-pound Petcka is accused of bludgeoning the 7 1/2-pound Norman last year in his girlfriend's Greenwich Street apartment, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

Petcka, 37, was to go on trial Tuesday in Manhattan on charges of felony animal cruelty. Petcka maintains Norman assaulted him.

"My client reacted to the attack of a cat, which under the law is allowable," lawyer Charles Hochbaum told the Post.

Petcka is a former Mets minor league pitcher who now acts and waits tables for a living, the Post reported.