VISTA, Calif. -- A 69-year-old man who was seen pushing his kitten underwater at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor animal abuse and was sentenced to three years probation.

Hubert Hoffman was also ordered to undergo psychological counseling and forfeit the kitten so it can be adopted.

Hoffman pleaded guilty on the day his case was to go to trial at the Vista Courthouse. As part of his probation, the defendant is not to own or possess any animal, according to Judge Daniel Goldstein.

Witnesses to the Sept. 3 incident said Hoffman controlled the kitten with a choke-chain collar and told shocked onlookers that the cat loved to swim and to "mind their own business."

A crowd prevented Hoffman from leaving the beach, and he was arrested by sheriff's deputies.

A lifeguard captain said Hoffman told him that he was trying to give his cat a bath.

Residents told authorities the defendant was often seen around Cardiff wearing dirty clothing and appeared to be homeless.