Man Who Beheaded Seagull On Jersey Shore Boardwalk Sentenced

NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ — The man who beheaded a seagull on the North Wildwood boardwalk has been sentenced to 263 days in jail and five years probation, according to court records.

Franklin Zeigler, 30, told authorities the seagull had tried to steal French fries from his daughter and it made him angry.

Witnesses at the scene told police they had seen Zeigler decapitate the bird.

Zeigler was also admitted to recovery court.

The sentencing infuriated animal rights activists, who called it a "slap on the wrist."

"This was a brutal act of torture committed in broad daylight in front of children. International human rights law recognizes the right of children to be protected from witnessing animal abuse," said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner. "New Jersey law allows for severe penalties and mandatory community service to teach animal abusers the value of life, yet the court missed a critical opportunity to hold this individual fully accountable."