Man Accused of Decapitating Seagull on North Wildwood Beach

Man Accused of Decapitating Seagull on North Wildwood Beach

While we all may hate seagulls sometimes for stealing our food, this is not ok.

July 6, 2024, when Franklin Zeigler, a 29-year-old resident of Cape May, NJ, was arrested for decapitating a seagull on the beach at Morey’s Pier.

This gruesome act has not only horrified locals but has also drawn significant attention from animal rights advocates and the general public.

The incident unfolded at 2501 Boardwalk Avenue, where witnesses reported seeing Zeigler commit the cruel act. The North Wildwood Police Department responded swiftly to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers encountered Zeigler, who was visibly irate and uncooperative.

His disruptive behavior during an unrelated investigation led to his immediate arrest on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, both classified as Disorderly Persons offenses.

A follow-up investigation was spearheaded by NWPD Detective Deritis, who also serves as the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer (H.L.E.O.).

Detective Deritis conducted a thorough investigation, meticulously piecing together evidence from witness statements, photographs, and Zeigler’s own comments at the scene.

The compelling evidence gathered resulted in Zeigler being charged with 3rd-degree Animal Cruelty.

The North Wildwood Police Department has emphasized the importance of this investigation, highlighting the severity of animal cruelty and the community’s zero-tolerance stance on such behavior.

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Zeigler was issued a summons and released pending a future court date, in accordance with bail reform procedures.

It is crucial to remember that Zeigler is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of wildlife and the importance of vigilance in protecting animals.

The local community, known for its vibrant beach culture and bustling boardwalk, is particularly sensitive to incidents that disrupt the harmony between humans and wildlife.

The seagull, a common sight along the shore, is often seen as a symbol of the seaside experience, making this act of cruelty even more poignant.

In response to the incident, local animal rights organizations have expressed their outrage and have called for stricter penalties for animal cruelty offenses.

They argue that such acts not only harm the individual animal but also signify a deeper issue of respect and empathy towards living creatures.

The North Wildwood Police Department has commended the efforts of their patrol and detective divisions in swiftly addressing this incident.

They continue to urge the public to come forward with any information related to this case or other criminal activities. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at (609) 522-2411.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be provided through the TEXT-A-TIP service by texting TIP NWPD, followed by your message, to 888777.