Franklin Zeigler was the man Who Allegedly Ripped Off Seagull’s Head for Stealing Daughter’s French Fries Arrested for Animal Cruelty

Franklin Zeigler was placed on a summons and released pending a future court date

A man in New Jersey has been arrested after he allegedly decapitated a seagull for stealing his daughter’s french fries.

The North Wildwood Police Department stated in a press release on Monday, July 22, that the incident took place at Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks on Saturday, July 6.

Police said they responded to an “animal cruelty incident,” where witnesses said they saw a man, later identified as 29-year-old Franklin Zeigler (29) of Cape May, N.J., allegedly decapitate a seagull.

Zeigler allegedly ripped the seagull’s head after the bird attempted to take french fries from his daughter, WPVI-TV reported, citing court documents. He then reportedly asked staff for a trash bag while holding the dead seagull, the outlet added.

The North Wildwood Police Department stated that while investigating the incident, Zeigler “was irate and uncooperative,” leading to his “arrest for Disorderly Conduct & Resisting Arrest, both Disorderly Persons offenses.”

He was also charged with third-degree Animal Cruelty after a follow-up investigation, which included the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Office and a review of “statements made by Zeigler on the scene as well as available photographs and witness statements.”

Zeigler was “placed on a summons” and later released as he awaits his court date, police added.

“He is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the North Wildwood Police Department said in its press release, asking for people who may have any additional information related to the case to come forward.

According to the Animal Welfare Institute, animal cruelty involves “inflicting harm, injuring, or killing an animal.”

“The cruelty can be intentional, such as kicking, burning, stabbing, beating, or shooting; or it can involve neglect, such as depriving an animal of water, shelter, food, and necessary medical treatment,” the organization adds.

In July 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed NJ S-981 into law, “strengthening protections for animals by establishing procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.”

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“I am proud to sign legislation that will not only strengthen protections for animals in New Jersey, but ensure that animals who have suffered cruel treatment are cared for swiftly and sufficiently. These safeguards and procedures will enable law enforcement to intercept cases of animal cruelty and make certain that those animals are given a second chance,” he said in a statement.