Make Sure Aging Rapper DMX Sings Jailhouse Blues if Convicted!

Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, may not get the concept of "man's best friend." Through his music, Simmons glorifies the savagery, bloodletting, and cowardice of dogfighting. The following lyrics are from his song "Dog Match": 

Place your bets

You can imagine what the bloodline is like

Since I love mine to fight . . .

All my pups is crazy, 'cause off the leash

They can eat, stand a match for three hours at least

Simmons is a convicted animal abuser. In 2002, he pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals—the end result of a raid on his Teaneck, New Jersey, property, where 13 caged, neglected pit bulls were discovered. Simmons now faces more cruelty-to-animals charges, this time in Phoenix, Arizona. According to a May 9, 2008, news release issued by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, "[T]he famed rapper/actor known as DMX (Dark Man X) was arrested hours ago at his home in Cave Creek pursuant to indictments on seven (7) misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four (4) felony drug possession charges." This indictment stems from officials' alleged August discovery of 12 neglected and malnourished pit bulls—many of whom were also reportedly scarred—on the rapper's property north of Phoenix. Also said to have been found by authorities were three dogs who had been buried on the property in question. According to the Sheriff's Office, one of these unfortunate dogs may have been burned.

Please politely call on Maricopa County Attorney Andrew P. Thomas to prosecute Earl "DMX" Simmons vigorously and to the fullest extent of the law. Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers, as Simmons' story may well illustrate, please ask that—if convicted and in addition to spending the maximum time allowed in prison—Simmons be prohibited from owning or harboring animals for as long as possible. Furthermore, urge Thomas to ensure that Simmons be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling at his own expense; please remind the county attorney that the safety of the community may depend on this.

The Honorable Andrew P. Thomas can be contacted here.