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Animal Cruelty at the Jersey Shore
According to North Wildwood Police Department, they responded to an animal abuse incident at Morey's Pier, situated at 2501 Boardwalk Avenue, on July 6, 2024.
Witnesses at the site told investigators that a male individual, identified as
29-year-old Franklin Zeigler from Cape May, New Jersey, had severed the head of a seagull.
Zeigler was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, both of which are offenses against disorderly persons, during the investigation because he was agitated and uncooperative with police on an unrelated investigation.
A follow-up investigation was conducted by NWPD Detective Deritis, also the police departments Humane Law Enforcement Officer (H.L.E.O.). Det. Deritis conducted an investigation which included statements made by Zeigler on scene as well as available photographs and witness statements.
As a result of the investigation, Zeigler was additionally charged with 3rd degree Animal Cruelty. Zeigler was placed on a summons on the above charges as per bail reform and released pending a future court date. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Anyone with information related to this case or any other criminal activities, is asked to 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.
