NYC actor who stomped his girlfriend’s cat to death does volunteer work to resolve case
By APFriday, December 18, 2009
Volunteer work resolves NYC cat-stomping case
NEW YORK — An actor who stomped his girlfriend’s cat to death has resolved his case with 500 hours of volunteering.
Joseph Petcka worked at a New York City soup kitchen and other organizations.
His case was conditionally discharged Friday. That means it’s expected to be closed without jail time or probation.
A judge also let Petcka reduce his guilty plea to attempted aggravated animal cruelty, a misdemeanor. The 39-year-old Petcka initially pleaded guilty to a felony charge.
Prosecutors said Petcka attacked the 8-pound cat in a drunken, jealous rage in March 2007. Petcka said he overreacted after being bitten by the tabby, named Norman.
Petcka had small TV roles as an actor.
(This version CORRECTS that volunteer work has been completed.)
