It's A Dog's Life

Rapper DMX, who growls and barks through most of his records, has landed in the legal doghouse with a company that claims he breached an agreement to promote its line of high-end doggie-wear.

Amusing Diversions Inc. alleged in court papers that when it signed a promotion agreement with DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, it was unaware of his involvement in dogfighting or his conviction on animal cruelty charges.

Agents for the 33-year-old rapper, who recorded the hit "Get at Me Dog," said in court papers that he had recorded "dog awareness" radio spots urging people to be kind to their animals. Those announcements reflected his "positive connection with dogs," they said.

But Amusing Diversions, in its filing this week in Manhattan's state Supreme Court, said his radio spots were "part of a community service obligation judicially imposed upon him" for animal cruelty.

DMX pleaded guilty to the cruelty charges in 2002 after officials found 14 pit bulls living in filthy conditions at his New Jersey home. He was fined and ordered to do the ads.