A man in New Jersey was arrested after he reportedly killed a seagull by cutting off its head because it stole his daughter’s french fries.
In a news release issued on July 22, the North Wildwood Police Department said that the incident happened on July 6 at Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks.
After hearing about an “animal cruelty incident,” police said they went to the scene and saw a man, later identified as Franklin Zeigler (29) of Cape May, New Jersey, reportedly cut off the head of a seagull.
According to court records seen by WPVI-TV, Zeigler supposedly tore the seagull’s head off when it tried to steal his daughter’s french fries. Then, the news source said, he asked for a trash bag while carrying the dead seagull.
According to the North Wildwood Police Department, Zeigler “was irate and uncooperative” while they were investigating the event. This is why he was “arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both disorderly persons offenses.”
There was also a second investigation, which included the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Office and a look at “statements made by Zeigler on the scene as well as available photographs and witness statements.” He was then charged with third-degree animal cruelty.
Police said Zeigler was “placed on a summons” and then freed while he waits for his court date.
“He is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the North Wildwood Police Department said in a press statement. They asked anyone with more information about the case to come forward.
This is what the Animal Welfare Institute calls “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 group points out.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed NJ S-981 into law in July 2023. This law “strengthens protections for animals by setting procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.”
“I am proud to sign into law a bill that will not only strengthen protections for animals in New Jersey but also make sure that animals who have been hurt badly are cared for quickly and properly.” He said in a statement, “These safeguards and procedures will allow law enforcement to stop cases of animal cruelty and make sure that those animals are given a second chance.”
