Rapper DMX, whose name is Earl Simmons, performs at The Source Hip Hop Awards at the Pantages Theater in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles in this Aug. 18, 1999 file photo
PHOENIX - Two dogs found buried at a home belonging to DMX had serious wounds, said authorities investigating animal neglect allegations.
One of the dogs had serious bite wounds and another had trauma to its abdomen, but exact causes of death were not determined, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said Saturday. A third dog carcass had been burned so badly an exam was inconclusive.
The remains were dug up on Aug. 24, when sheriff's investigators probing allegations of animal neglect raided the rapper's home in north Phoenix.
Authorities also seized 12 live pit bulls, numerous weapons, and about a quarter-ounce of marijuana in a bedroom, Arpaio said. The sheriff initially said a half-pound of suspected narcotics was found, but tests showed the substance was not illegal drugs.
No charges had been filed against the rapper or anyone else, but Arpaio said that may change.
"Someone's going to have to pay for this," the sheriff said. "We have 12 dogs who were abused and three dogs buried in the yard — someone's going to have to pay."
A lawyer for the 36-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, has said DMX was not at the home during the raid, hadn't been there for months and was paying caretakers and veterinarians to care for his animals.
Murray Richman on Saturday questioned how the sheriff could connect his client to any alleged animal abuse.
"How do you attribute activities to a person who has not been there, when they have knowledge that other persons have been," Richman said. "Is it because of the celebrity nature?"
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