12 pit bulls seized from Arizona home of rapper DMX

Last Updated: Saturday, August 25, 2007 | 9:56 AM ET

CBC Arts

Police in Phoenix, Ariz., say they've removed a dozen pit bulls from the home of the rapper DMX, after receiving a tip that the dogs were being kept in inhumane conditions.

Detectives raided the home on Friday and discovered the dogs, which were not being fed or given water. The 36-year-old musician, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was not at home at the time.

Sheriff's deputies raided the home of rapper DMX, shown in 2006, on Friday and seized a dozen pit bulls but made no arrests.
(Louis Lanzano/Associated Press)

Capt. Paul Chagolla of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said the department got a tip more than a week earlier.

He also indicated that a number of weapons were uncovered at the house. Authorities are now seeking additional warrants so they can check the guns to see whether they are legal.

Chagolla said no arrests had been made so far but that the sheriff's office was still investigating and "would determine what charges may be brought and against whom."

Murray Richman, Simmons's lawyer, said the musician hasn't been in Arizona for at least two months and was "extremely disturbed" to hear the animals weren't being cared for properly.
 
"We had a caretaker that wasn't taking care, that's what happened," Richman said. "He loves dogs, he loves these animals. Those dogs are practically his family."

Simmons has sold 20 million albums and released Year of the Dog ... Again in 2006. The cover depicts DMX restraining a snarling pit bull on a chain.

He is also an actor, appearing in Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds.