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

A New Jersey man has been sentenced to recovery court and five years of probation after pleading guilty to animal cruelty for decapitating a seagull that tried to snatch a French fry from his daughter in July 2024. The incident occurred on the North Wildwood boardwalk near Morey’s Piers.

Details of the Incident and Arrest

Franklin Ziegler, 30, of Cape May, was arrested on July 6, 2024, after witnesses observed him decapitating the seagull. According to police reports, Ziegler then asked boardwalk employees for a trash bag while still holding the bird News 12. He was initially charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, with additional charges of animal cruelty being filed after further investigation by the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer News 12.

Sentencing and Time Served

Ziegler was sentenced on March 12, 2026, to recovery court and five years of probation ABC7NY. He received credit for 263 days already served in jail ABC7NY and was released from Cape May County Jail on February 12, 2026 New York Post. He will also be receiving outpatient treatment as part of his recovery court probation New York Post.

Legal Proceedings

A grand jury indicted Ziegler on June 24, 2025, on third-degree animal cruelty offenses, a year after the initial charges were filed New York Post. He pleaded guilty to several charges, including third-degree animal cruelty ABC7NY.

Reaction from Animal Rights Advocates

Animal rights advocates have expressed outrage over what they consider a lenient sentence. Dolly Stanley, senior campaigner for In Defense of Animals’ Justice, called the sentencing “a slap on the wrist” and described the act as “a brutal act of torture committed in broad daylight in front of children” ABC7NY.