Suspect in animal cruelty case out on bond

FREMONT — A 28-year-old man accused of mutilating wildlife and domestic animals in Wayne County is free on $3,000 bail, jail officials said Wednesday.

Lawton McKenzie turned himself in to sheriff’s deputies after they attempted to arrest him Monday night and found him not at home, said Animal Control Director Justin Scally.

In December, investigators rescued 26 dogs, sheep, goats and other animals from his home on Old Black Creek Road, including a goat too weak to lift its head.

But they discovered many more, perhaps dozens, that had been dismembered, decapitated, left in a freezer or on a homemade grill. They also found bowls of blood, knives and a machete, Scally said, describing the find as the most horrific he has seen.

More charges may be pending, Scally said, adding that the United States Humane Society had been consulted for help. “Obviously,” Scally said, “we want to be sure he’s prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Some neighbors in Fremont said they saw or heard nothing like the carnage animal control officers found. Others reported long-running problems with malnourished and abused animals, which investigators said included owls, turtles, snake and a fox.

News of the case spread across the state and sparked outrage among animal lovers.

Lavonne Senterfit of Butner, who said she has been a volunteer in animal cruelty cases, called the $3,000 bond far too low.

“I’m pretty upset about it,” she said. “He’s out and free to do it again. This is horrible because it involves wildlife and domestic animals.”