New Jersey Man Sentenced for Decapitating Seagull That Tried to Steal Fries

A New Jersey man, Franklin Ziegler, has been sentenced to probation and recovery court after pleading guilty to animal cruelty for decapitating a seagull in 2024. The incident occurred when the bird attempted to steal French fries from his daughter at Morey’s Pier in North Wildwood.

The Incident

On July 6, 2024, North Wildwood police responded to reports of an animal cruelty incident at Morey’s Pier . Witnesses reported that Franklin Ziegler, then 29 years old, decapitated a seagull and then asked boardwalk employees for a trash bag while still holding the bird . Ziegler was described as “irate and uncooperative” during the investigation .

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Ziegler initially faced charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, with the Humane Law Enforcement Officer gathering evidence that led to an animal cruelty charge . He pleaded guilty to the animal cruelty charges and was sentenced by Judge Jeffrey Wilson on March 12, 2026 . He received 263 days in prison, credited to time already served after his release in February, and was ordered to participate in a drug abuse recovery court program .

In addition to the jail time and recovery program, Ziegler was sentenced to five years of probation .

Additional Context

Ziegler was also facing charges in connection with a domestic violence incident at the time of his arrest . His attorney, Jack Tumelty, stated that Ziegler’s admission to recovery court indicates that drug addiction was a contributing factor to his criminal behavior . He was released from Cape May County Jail on February 12, 2026 .

Animal Advocacy Response

Animal advocacy groups have criticized the sentence as being lenient .