Pictures of animals holding knives and cigarettes have prompted an investigation of employees at Mecklenburg County Animal Care and Control.

SLIDESHOW: 'Inappropriate' Photos Prompt Investigation

In an e-mail to city leaders, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe said his department had been investigating the “inappropriate” pictures since August.

One picture shows a cat, apparently sedated, with a cigarette in its mouth and a knife in its paws. Another shows a cat with a pen in its mouth, while a third photo shows a ferret that is missing its fur, with a caption that reads “someone thought it would be funny to Nair” the animal.

Someone alerted an animal advocacy website that animal shelter employees had posted the pictures on Facebook.

Monroe said a review board was formed last week to determine what will happen to the employees.

“The disciplinary action will range from termination to suspension without pay for employees involved in the inappropriate acts," Monroe said.

The employees involved have not been identified.

"It sounds horrific from what I've read on the website," City Councilman Warren Cooksey, who found about the investigation on Monday, said. "I'm looking forward to hearing from CMPD (about) what the result of their disciplinary action is."

It's unclear when those results will be available.

A spokeswoman for Animal Care and Control said she could not comment on the investigation.