Man Who Allegedly Beheaded Seagull on Wildwood Boardwalk Has Been Indicted
A Cape May County man who allegedly decapitated a seagull on the Wildwood Boardwalk has officially been indicted on multiple charges, including animal cruelty and child endangerment.
Man Who Allegedly Beheaded Seagull on Wildwood Boardwalk Has Been Indicted
Franklin C. Zeigler, 30, of Erma, was indicted by a Cape May County grand jury on June 24, 2025, following a bizarre and disturbing incident that took place on July 6, 2024.
You can read our original report on that by clicking here.
According to reports, Zeigler was visiting Wildwood’s popular Surfside Pier (2501 Boardwalk Avenue) with his young daughter when a seagull swooped in and attempted to grab a French fry from her tray.
In response, Zeigler allegedly caught the bird and ripped its head off in front of multiple witnesses, including children.
The act quickly drew a crowd and prompted calls to police. Officers from the Wildwood Police Department arrested Zeigler on-site.
A follow-up investigation was led by NWPD Detective Deritis, who also serves as the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer (H.L.E.O.). As a result of that investigation, Zeigler was formally charged with third-degree animal cruelty.
In addition to animal cruelty, prosecutors added a charge of endangering the welfare of a child, citing the presence of his daughter and others during the violent act.
Also See: Why Are These Jellyfish Washing Up in Cape May County? – Cannonball Jellyfish
The case sparked widespread outrage across social media, with animal rights advocates and beachgoers calling for accountability. The original arrest was widely reported in 2024, but the formal indictment in June 2025 now allows the case to move forward to trial.
This isn’t Zeigler’s only legal trouble in recent months.
He was also arrested on May 29, 2025, on unrelated charges of aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and domestic violence, according to Cape May County jail records.
Zeigler is currently awaiting trial. If convicted of third-degree animal cruelty, he could face up to five years in prison, along with fines and court-ordered counseling.
Under New Jersey’s animal cruelty statute, he can also be fined up to $15,000.
The child endangerment charge carries its own potential penalties depending on how the court rules on intent and harm.
Court records related to the indictment are expected to become publicly available through the New Jersey Courts system.
The case has been assigned to Cape May County Superior Court.
Look, we get it. Having your French fry stolen by a seagull is annoying. It happens all the time at the shore. But even if it ruins your lunch, don’t take it out on the bird.
Seagulls are protected, and hurting them isn’t just wrong, it can get you arrested.
Just guard your food and move on.