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GOLDSBORO (AP) — Authorities in eastern North Carolina charged a man today with several counts of animal cruelty after investigators found dismembered animals at his home.

Officials charged Lawton McKenzie, 28, with three counts of cruelty to animals and have issued a warrant for his arrest. His whereabouts Tuesday afternoon were unknown.

"We've had cockfighting and dogfighting cases, and cases of severe animal cruelty, but I've never dealt with a situation similar to anything like this," Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center director Justin Scally said Tuesday.

Scally said the remains of several dozen animals were found on Dec. 3 at McKenzie's home near Fremont. Investigators found the remains of a decapitated dog also with its front paws cut off, dead snakes, a dead turtle, dead puppies and what appeared to be a goat's head on a homemade grill apparently used to cook the animals, Scally said.

Investigators also found dead owls, goats, sheep, a fox and what appeared to be the head of a puppy in a plastic storage bag.

"There were multiple animals that had been decapitated," he said. "I don't think you're ever really prepared to see situations like this."

McKenzie first told authorities he'd been studying taxidermy. He also said he was using the animal bones for necklaces.

An accurate count of how many deceased animals will never be available, Scally said, because of the number of unmatchable dismembered parts found on the property.

Scally said his office received a tip that led them to investigate the home.

Investigators also removed 26 living animals from the home, including a dying goat. Scally said the goat was rushed to a local veterinarian's office and survived.

Scally said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. He said the animals are improving and should all have no problems if adopted. While he said the scene at McKenzie's home disgusted his investigators, workers have been concentrating on the surviving animals.

"Our goal is providing the best care that we can for these animals," he said, "and to prosecute (McKenzie) ... to the greatest potential."