A man is accused of using mace or pepper spray on a 75-year-old East Meadow man because his dog urinated on his girlfriend's lawn, police say.

Police say the fight over 8-year-old Bailey and his bathroom habits became so nasty that 38-year old David Likhtiger knocked on Alan Wharton's door Tuesday night and pepper sprayed him in the face.

Wharton says the fight started in July when he walking Bailey and the men got into an altercation. He says Likhtiger threw a rock and rotten tomato at him, and tried to kick him, so Wharton punched him in the face. 

A man identifying himself as Likhtiger's physician came to court Wednesday to show his support. He showed News 12 a photo and says Wharton didn't just punch Likhtiger back in July, but belted him in the head with the chain part of the dog leash. Likhtiger's girlfriend also defended him.

Wharton, who is a referee for high school sports, says he can admit he's at fault for letting Bailey off the leash sometimes. However, he says Bailey's urine doesn't really brown anyone's lawn.

Likhtiger was forced to sign an order of protection Wednesday to stay away from Wharton. His bail was set at $10,000.