NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A man who allegedly decapitated a seagull on Morey’s Pier in New Jersey was charged with third-degree animal cruelty, North Wildwood police announced on Monday. And according to court documents obtained by ABC News' Philadelphia affiliate, the gruesome act took place after the the bird tried to nab a French fry from the man's daughter.
Police responded to reports of an animal cruelty incident on July 6 at 2501 Boardwalk Ave. Upon arrival, witnesses on the scene told officers that a man, identified as Franklin Zeigler, 29, had allegedly beheaded a seagull.
At the time, Zeigler was “irate and uncooperative with officers” during an unrelated investigation, which resulted in his arrest for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, cops said.
After reviewing statements made by Zeigler at the scene, as well as available photographs and witness statements, detectives also charged Zeigler with animal cruelty.
The man, according to court documents, had also asked staff for a trash bag while holding the dead seagull.
Zeigler was placed on a summons for the above charges as per bail reform and released pending a future court date.