NC man: Animal cruelty charge exaggerated

FREMONT, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina man says his animal cruelty arrest is being "blown out of proportion" after authorities found dozens of dismembered animals on his property.

By: Associated Press | WNCT
Published: January 08, 2009

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FREMONT, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina man says his animal cruelty arrest is being "blown out of proportion" after authorities found dozens of dismembered animals on his property.
Lawton McKenzie tells The Wilson Daily Times that some animals were road kill he used to feed the dogs he raised. He also said he is studying taxidermy. The 28-year-old admitted butchering sheep and goats for food, but said it's in his Jamaican culture.
Authorities said they found knives, a machete and bowls of blood when they visited McKenzie's home in Fremont last month. Investigators also found dead dogs, goats, sheep, owls and other animals.
McKenzie is charged with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. He was arrested earlier this week and released after posting a $3,000 bond.
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Information from: The Wilson Daily Times, http://www.wilsondaily.com