Dog abuse investigated at DMX's home

PHOENIX, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Rapper-turned-actor DMX is being investigated by sheriff's deputies in Phoenix after three dead dogs and 12 undernourished pit bulls were found at his home.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was not home when deputies raided his home Friday acting on a complaint of animal abuse, Capt. Paul Chagolla of the Maricopa Sheriff's Office told the Arizona Republic.

New York attorney Stacey Richman said the 37-year-old rapper had hired someone to care for the dogs and only learned Friday the employee was only checking on them once a day.

Chagolla said deputies also found drug paraphernalia, a cache of weapons and several vehicles with license plates that couldn't be traced.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said it did not appear dog-fighting was involved, KPHO-TV in Phoenix reported.

No charges had been announced Saturday morning.

Simmons pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges in 1999 after police found 13 pit bulls at his home in Teaneck, N.J., the report said.