Rapper DMX was arrested in his home near Phoenix Friday after allegedly ignoring police officers' attempts to serve a search warrant, police said.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the "Grand Champ" rapper was arrested after a search of his home turned up evidence of drug possession and animal abuse, E! Online reported.

The musician-actor allegedly had five pit bull puppies on his property and the animals were all malnourished, Arpaio said.

"A guy like this DMX character with all his money and fame has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals," said the sheriff. "He has a long criminal history and obviously has no respect for the law."

The search warrant was part of a seven-month investigation into the "Cradle 2 the Grave" star, E! Online said.

The Web site said DMX, whose home was also raided last August based on similar allegations, is due in court Thursday to face seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four counts of felony drug possession. (c) UPI