Authorities say they are searching for a man whose mobile home in Wayne County, N.C., was allegedly full of animals that had been hacked to death.

County animal control director Justin Scally said the search for 28-year-old Lawton McKenzie has been under way since animal control officers allegedly found McKenzie's home full of dead dogs, owls and other animals, the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer said Wednesday.

Scally alleged officers were able to rescue 26 animals from McKenzie's surrounding property, while an unidentified number of animals were found dead in the home.

The animal control official said the grisly scene inside the mobile home led to charges of animal cruelty being levied Monday against McKenzie.

"It was the most horrific, disturbing case that I have ever investigated," he offered. "What we saw I don't think I will ever forget for the rest of my life."

The News & Observer said the surviving animals are in protective custody while the search continues for McKenzie, who may face additional charges in the case.