Franklin Ziegler sentenced for decapitating seagull after it attempted to take fries from daughter in North Wildwood, NJ

NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. — Animal rights advocates are outraged over what they call a light sentence for a Cape May County man who decapitated a seagull on the North Wildwood boardwalk two years ago.

Franklin Ziegler was admitted to recovery court last week instead of state prison.

He pleaded guilty to several charges, including third-degree animal cruelty.

Zeigler received 263 days credit for time served.

Court records show Ziegler told police that he became angry when the seagull tried to snatch french fries from his daughter back in July of 2024.

He then reportedly asked nearby staff for a trash bag while holding the dead seagull, ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI reported.

Zeigler allegedly became irate and uncooperative with officers on an unrelated investigation, which led to his arrest on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.