Troubled rapper Dmx is devastated after learning his pet dogs have been neglected by the caretaker of his Arizona home.

The hip-hop star/actor, real name Earl Simmons, was shocked to hear police had raided his Phoenix home on Friday and seized 12 distressed pit bulls terriers, who had no food or water.

Cops also found the buried remains of three other dogs.

Simmons insists he hasn't visited the property for two months and had asked a caretaker to look after his pets.

Simmons' lawyer Murray Richman says, "We had a caretaker that wasn't taking care, that's what happened."

"He loves dogs - he loves these animals. Those dogs are practically his family."

Police also seized several guns from the property during the raid.

Simons is no stranger to police trouble - in April two warrants were issued for his arrest after he failed to appear at two separate court hearings for driving-related offences.