$250 Fine Imposed In Seagull’s Death

SEA ISLE CITY – Philadelphian Edward Frost paid a $250 fine to resolve the criminal complaint against him regarding cruelty for his mistreatment of a seagull on the beach Aug.  25. 
The bird died on the way for treatment as a result of the injuries Frost inflicted.  
According to Linda Gentille, manager of Shore Animal Control which assisted police at the scene, “We had about 25 people attending this hearing, and both eyewitnesses appeared to testify. All went in to speak to the prosecutor who decided to offer again another plea deal of $250 plus court costs to Mr. Frost.
“His attorney made a public apology for him. The fine, plus court costs, goes to the Sea Isle City (Municipal) Court. He did not offer this time to make any charitable donation.”
The case was brought by a state-appointed certified cruelty investigator who believed charges were warranted with witnesses demanding an investigation as did the police.
Gentille previously clarified, “There is no profit to Shore Animal Control and quite the contrary, many volunteer hours for filing any charges are needed and any fines imposed do not accrue to our organization.”
Gentille continued, “Many of the witnesses and attendees felt that the fine was not sufficient. I believe the difference in the outcome of this case was that one witness was also a fireman and was more upset when he found out Frost is also a fireman. That was one of the reasons he came to testify.
“We work with firemen to save animals such as cats in trees, and storm drains as they have the equipment. You don’t expect a fireman to hurt an animal. This was one of the reasons many people showed up and were especially upset,” Gentille stated.
She added that every week in season four or five injured gulls are picked up. She wondered how many of those injuries were intentional.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.