Man charged with animal cruelty after incident with seagull on Wildwood boardwalk

A Cape May man is accused of beheading a seagull that was trying to steal French fries from his daughter.

Franklin Zeigler, 29, was charged with animal cruelty after a recent incident in Wildwood, police said.

Zeigler asked staff at Morey's Pier for a trash bag while holding the decapitated bird, according to a probable cause statement for his arrest.

Witnesses said Zeigler ripped the bird's head off with his hands, the statement says.

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Officials report that Zeigler became irate and uncooperative when police responded to the scene, resulting in his arrest.

He was charged on July 6 with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to a release from the North Wildwood Police Department.

A follow-up investigation conducted by the department's Humane Law Enforcement Officer resulted in an additional charge of animal cruelty.

The investigation included statements made by Zeigler as well as available photographs and witness statements.

He was released pending a court date.

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Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Man charged with animal cruelty after incident with seagull on Wildwood boardwalk