DMX - File

PHOENIX (AP):

Two dogs found buried at a home belonging to rapper DMX had serious wounds, authorities investigating animal neglect allegations said.

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 on Saturday. A third dog carcass had been burned so badly an exam was inconclusive.

The remains were dug up on August 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 (quarter-kilogram) 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, had not been there for months and was paying caretakers and veterinarians to care for his animals.