Animal Cruelty Incident at Morey’s Pier Leads to Arrest
NORTH WILDWOOD, NJ – On July 6, the North Wildwood Police Department responded to an animal cruelty incident at Morey’s Pier, located at 2501 Boardwalk Avenue. Witnesses reported that Franklin Zeigler, 29, from Cape May, NJ, had decapitated a seagull.
During the investigation, Zeigler was irate and uncooperative with officers regarding an unrelated matter, resulting in his arrest for Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest, both classified as Disorderly Persons offenses.
NWPD Detective Deritis, who is also the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer, conducted a follow-up investigation. This included analyzing statements made by Zeigler at the scene, photographs, and witness testimonies. Consequently, Zeigler was additionally charged with 3rd degree Animal Cruelty.
Zeigler was issued a summons for the charges and released pending a future court date. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The North Wildwood Police Department commends the diligent efforts of the patrol and detective divisions during this investigation. Anyone with information related to this case or other criminal activities is encouraged to contact the North Wildwood Police Department Detective Division at (609) 522-2411. Tips can also be provided anonymously by texting TIP NWPD, followed by the message, to 888777.
