GOLDSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a man who had dozens of dismembered animals at his eastern North Carolina home has been arrested on animal cruelty charges.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Ellen Grice said Wednesday that 28-year-old Lawton McKenzie turned himself in late Tuesday afternoon. He was later released on $3,000 bail.

Animal control investigators found the remains of goats, dogs, snakes, a fox and a turtle at McKenzie's home near Fremont last month. They also found a dog missing its head and front paws.

McKenzie told authorities he had been studying taxidermy and using the animal bones for necklaces.

It wasn't immediately clear when he was scheduled to appear in court. Court officials said he didn't have a listed attorney.

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