Brawny Paper Towel Model Joseph Petcka on Trial for Felony Animal Cruelty

205-Pound Man Claims Self Defense in Bludgeoning Death of 7-Pound Feline

If your voir dire included questions about a vegan lifestyle and one Charles Hochbaum, Esq. who wants you to believe that a 205-pound man had to fight for his life against a seven pound cat, you might have been at the feline murder trial of Joseph Petcka.

Fox News reports that former Met Joe Petcka stands accused by his ex gal pal Lisa Altobelli of felony animal cruelty.

Hunky Joseph Petcka pictures used to adorn Brawny paper towel rolls, and you may rightfully wonder why the 37-year-old, 205-pound Joe Petcka was dragged into court by Lisa Altobelli. At issue is the death of a 7-pound feline named Norman.

A stunned courtroom audience will hear Joseph Petcka recall his encounter with the wee tabby which forced him, allegedly, to kill the cat in self defense. The Post Chronicle paints a slightly different picture, and a quote from Assistant District Attorney Leila Kermani paints the alleged act of self defense as more akin a vicious bludgeoning of a diminutive, helpless pet.

Animal cruelty is sadly not an isolated incident, and it appears as though men with an anger problem see little issue with letting their rage fly when animals are on the scene. The provocation rarely appears to be the actual animal but external circumstances. Take for example the Star Tribune report of Scott Turner.

Accused and on trial for throwing a 23-week old kitten against a wall and killing the little animal, he proceeded to threaten bodily harm against the kitten's owner if she were to appear in court.

The incident reportedly occurred when Turner was arguing with his then pregnant girlfriend who had borrowed the kitten to keep her company. It is uncertain if Mr. Turner has a defense strategy other than witness intimidation.

Raymond Peebler, on the other hand, asserted that he was protecting his yard against an unleashed invader of the canine kind when he killed a six month old Yorkshire terrier puppy by kicking it to death. Court TV recalls the trial that appeared an escalation of a neighbor dispute that involved dog poop and general annoyance and ended ... in an acquittal!