DMX's home has been raided by police, who found 12 neglected dogs and a number of guns.
Police removed the pit bull terriers, who had been left without food and water, and found the buried bodies of three others after digging up the back yard.
DMX says he had not been at the Arizona for at least two months and a caretaker was left to look after the dogs.
"We had a caretaker that wasn't taking care, that's what happened," DMX's lawyer, Murray Richman, said.
Adding DMX was saddened by which had happened to the pit bulls.
"He loves dogs - he loves these animals. Those dogs are practically his family."
Police have said: "We served an initial search warrant for animal neglect, and 12 pit bulls were removed."
Officers are in the process of obtaining an amended warrant to find out whether the guns found at the property were legal.
Half a pound of suspected illegal drugs were also discovered. The substances are being tested to determine their content.
Five years ago, a US court ordered the rap star to make public service announcements after pleading guilty to
No arrest have been made to animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.
