Day 4 for NYC jurors in cat-death trial

by Dr. Chris

September 25, 2008 New York City jurors in their fourth day of deliberations at the cat cruelty trial have reheard testimony claiming the defendant was jealous of his girlfriend's fluffy feline.

The testimony by Lisa Altobelli was among over two hours of readbacks requested Thursday by the Manhattan jury struggling over the fate of 37-year-old Joseph Petcka.

If Petcka is convicted of aggravated animal cruelty and harassment, he could face up to two years in prison.

Petcka claims he unintentionally killed the 8-pound declawed cat, named Norman, in self-defense.

Thursday's readbacks also included Altobelli's recollections that Petcka had complained about Norman acting aggressively toward him.

On Wednesday, jurors told the judge they were deadlocked; he directed them to keep working.

I don't know what Joseph looks like, but I find it hard to believe he had to kill the cat. He must have serious problems if he was jealous of a cat.

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