Philadelphian’s Trial Set for Cruelty to Gull

CORRECTION: The below article incorrectly identified the perpetrator. The perpetrator is Edward Frost. 
SEA ISLE CITY – Appearing in Sea Isle City Municipal Court Oct. 5, Edward Frost, 56, of Philadelphia, refused a plea bargain offered by Prosecutor Thomas Rossi for his actions against a seagull on the 38th Street beach that resulted in its death.
Frost was charged by Shore Animal Control, taking over from city police which initially investigated the incident, under a disorderly person offense. Such offenses carry fines from $250 to $1,000.
The 90-minute hearing was presided over by Municipal Court Judge Vincent Morrison.
Also in attendance were members of the community, Shore Animal Control, and an eyewitness.
Frost, represented by private legal counsel, faced both criminal and civil charges. The plea bargain, which Frost refused and is off the table, would have provided for dropping the criminal charges and imposed a $250 fine for the civil charge.
Frost offered to donate to a charitable organization which was deemed an insufficient remedy.
Frost faces a trial proceeding scheduled for Nov. 16 where he again will face both criminal and civil penalties.
“We are really grateful to Sea Isle City police for ensuring prosecution of this perpetrator as well as to Judge Morrison for demonstrating the courts will not tolerate animal cruelty, and their intent to make sure this type of behavior is prosecuted and appropriately punished,” said Linda Gentille, manager of Shore Animal Control.   
According to police Capt. Anthony Garreffi, Frost was observed Aug. 25 at the 38th Street beach around 2 p.m. by witnesses throwing objects at a seagull thereby injuring the bird which later died while being transported for care.
Witnesses documented the incident, called the police, and identified Frost as he attempted to leave the beach as police arrived.
The officer issued a summons to Frost at 2:42 p.m. Aug. 25. Frost told officers he was trying to ‘shoo away the bird’ by throwing what later was identified as rocks at it.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.