WINDSOR – A Lewiston Woodville man has been charged after law enforcement officials found nearly 50 animals in his home nearly one month ago.

On Wednesday morning, officers served warrants on Stephen Kyprianides, charging him with 39 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. The counts were made and documented on 39 separate animals, according to Bertie County Sheriff Greg Atkins.

Kyprianides appeared before a magistrate and was placed under a $5,000 unsecured bond. His first appearance in Bertie County District Court is slated for June 17.

Tips led law enforcement officers to the home of Kyprianides on Hancock Street in Lewiston Woodville. Tips were reportedly received by the Lewiston Woodville Police Department that a large number of animals were being kept in the home.

Bertie County law enforcement officers served the search warrant on May 7.

Once there they found levels of ammonia so high they couldn’t enter the home. A member of the Lewiston Woodville Fire Department had to go in with a protective mask and open doors to ventilate the dwelling.

“I can’t describe the filth,” Sheriff Atkins said. “The home was unsanitary and unclean.”

Officers found 49 animals including 46 dogs and three cats in the home. They were all removed from the home and checked by a veterinarian from North Carolina State University.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office and Lewiston Woodville PD received assistance from Chowan County Animal Control.