Man Arrested For Ripping Seagull's Head Off After It Tried To Steal Daughter's Fries

In spite of the fact that gulls can occasionally be annoying pests, a New Jersey father's overreaction has landed him in major trouble.

What was supposed to be a pleasant day out became quite the dramatic event.

The father was detained on July 22.

He was charged with several offenses, according to the North Wildwood Police Department.

Seagulls are known to be annoying pests, but animal cruelty is never acceptable. Getty Images

The department verified his involvement in the incident. 

At Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks on the Wildwood boardwalk on July 6, 29-year-old Franklin Zeigler of Cape May, New Jersey, decided to deal harshly with a seagull.

Zeigler became enraged and decided to take matters into his own hands when the bird attempted to steal his daughter's fries.

He allegedly grasped the bird and ripped its head off of its body in a horrifying act of animal cruelty.

A Newark Star-Ledger article claims that he approached many workers at Morey's Pier for a trash bag.

He was carrying the dead seagull in his hands, purportedly after removing its head.

Police stated in a press statement posted on Facebook: “During the investigation, Zeigler was irate and uncooperative with officers on an unrelated investigation, which resulted in his arrest for Disorderly Conduct & Resisting Arrest, both Disorderly Persons offenses.”

Photos of the dead animal were acquired by the police.

Zeigler acknowledged on police body cameras that he had killed the seagull after it tried to steal his child's fries.

Police confirmed the father was charged with animal cruelty. Getty Images

When the investigation was over, the father was slammed with additional accusations by the authorities.

“As a result of the investigation, Zeigler was additionally charged with 3rd degree Animal Cruelty," the statement continued.

"Zeigler was placed on a summons on the above charges as per bail reform and released pending a future court date."

In a statement, police stated that they are still requesting additional information from the public regarding the event: "If you have any information related to this case or any other criminal activities, please contact the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at (609) 522-2411."

"The public can also provide tips anonymously by using our TEXT-A-TIP by texting TIP NWPD, followed by your message, to 888777."