Dad Beheads Seagull in Broad Daylight After Bird Swipes Daughter’s Fries

In a scene straight out of a twisted summer thriller, a New Jersey father took shocking revenge on a seagull that dared to steal his daughter’s French fry — and now he’s facing criminal charges.

Franklin Ziegler, 30, of Cape May, was indicted by a grand jury on animal cruelty charges this week after allegedly decapitating a seagull with his bare hands during a family outing to North Wildwood’s Surfside Pier last July 4th weekend.

Witnesses say the bird swooped in and snatched a fry right from his young daughter’s hand. Moments later, Ziegler retaliated in gruesome fashion, allegedly ripping the bird’s head off — then parading its body around the boardwalk as stunned beachgoers looked on.

“It was completely insane,” said one bystander who witnessed the bizarre act. “He was just walking around with this dead bird like it was a trophy.”

Authorities say Ziegler then approached park employees, asking for a trash bag to dispose of the severed seagull.

That’s when concerned onlookers called police.

Officers arriving on the scene say Ziegler grew combative and refused to cooperate. According to a statement from the North Wildwood Police Department, he was arrested not just for animal cruelty, but also for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

“He was irate and uncooperative,” police wrote in a now-deleted Facebook post. “The investigation was initially unrelated, but Ziegler’s behavior escalated quickly.”

But it’s not just state charges Ziegler’s facing. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is a federal offense to harm or kill migratory birds — including seagulls. If convicted, he could face hefty fines or even jail time.

Barry Fast, a veteran bird-control specialist from New Rochelle, wasn’t surprised the seagull had the nerve to swipe food.

“These birds have no fear,” Fast told reporters. “We get multiple calls a day from restaurants and boardwalks dealing with aggressive gulls. They’ve learned people mean food, and they’ll attack to get it — I’ve seen them go after workers carrying trash.”

Still, Fast says there are non-lethal ways to deal with seagull invasions.

“We use decoys, lasers, and habitat modification — but nothing justifies what this guy did,” he said.

The case has sparked fierce debate online. Some commenters praised the dad for “defending his kid,” while others slammed the act as “deranged” and “psychotic.”

“Look, seagulls are annoying,” said one commenter. “But you don’t go full ‘Game of Thrones’ on one because it stole a fry.”

As of now, Ziegler has not publicly commented. He faces multiple charges and could be arraigned later this summer.

Whether motivated by instinct or fury, Ziegler’s split-second act of avian vengeance could now land him behind bars — all over a stolen snack.