An Arkansas Catholic church pastor, Charles Thessing, 63, was charged with animal cruelty after police discovered a gruesome scene inside his home, including two drowned cats, according to authorities and news reports. Thessing was arrested on Tuesday following a tip that led to a search of his property, West Memphis police said in a Facebook post.

The Diocese of Little Rock has since suspended Thessing, who was assigned to St. Michael and also served as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Crawfordsville. In a letter to parishioners, Little Rock Bishop Anthony Taylor stated that Thessing could no longer serve effectively due to the severity of the allegations.

The investigation began on February 7 when West Memphis Animal Control received a video that prompted a police inquiry and a search warrant. Officers found animal traps and two cats that appeared to have drowned in a water tank on Thessing’s property.

Kerry Facello, Director of the West Memphis Animal Shelter, emphasized that animal cruelty cases are a top priority for the community. Thessing was booked at the Crittenden County Jail on Tuesday and released on bond shortly after. He faces two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, police said.