Linda Blair said she and the animals in her care are safe after authorities searched her Southern California property as part of an active investigation into a reported kennel operation believed to be housing more than 100 dogs.
The 67-year-old actress, best known for her role in the horror film The Exorcist, shared a message on Instagram on July 31 saying the visit was unexpected but that she and the animals were doing well. She described the episode as centered on administrative requirements rather than the condition of the dogs.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning executed an inspection warrant on Friday as part of a joint operation. Authorities said the operation was intended to evaluate the welfare of the animals on the property and to determine whether the property complies with county regulations.
«Checking in, I'm good. The animals are good in lieu of our surprise visit in 105-degree heat!» Blair wrote in her caption. «With as busy as we all are in animal rescue and saving lives from the hot deserts and abandoned animals and shelters, everyone's emails and social media are overloaded.» She said she primarily needs to complete paperwork and submit diagrams.
«Turns out we just have some paperwork to do and some diagrams but as everybody knows, I'm looking to move so I can be more educational and help more animals. I'd rather move forward,» she continued. The Oscar-nominated actress has been planning to relocate her rescue operation, she said.
The search was connected to a property associated with a kennel operation reported to have more than 100 dogs. Permits for the kennel reportedly expired in 2023, and county officials said multiple attempts to contact the property owner had gone unanswered.
The Department of Animal Care and Control said the warrant allowed investigators to lawfully access the property and verify compliance with county codes. Investigators were assessing animal care, safety conditions, and the overall welfare of the dogs housed there.
«Our priority is the safety and well-being of both the animals on the property and the people who may be working or residing here,» the department said in a statement. «This inspection will help us determine whether conditions meet required standards.»
The department described the matter as an active and ongoing investigation and said it could not answer specific questions about the case at this time. It added that it remains committed to ensuring kennel operations meet legal requirements and provide humane care.
TMZ first reported the search and said Blair was present during the inspection and cooperated with authorities. No dogs were removed from the property, according to the outlet.
In the video, Blair reiterated that the visit centered on administrative issues. «Today we got a really big surprise visit,» she said. «And as it turns out, there is nothing but some paperwork and some new diagrams and things.» She also questioned why county officials did not use mail to notify her before the visit.
She ended her video by encouraging supporters to donate to the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, the nonprofit she founded in 2003 to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected, and abandoned animals. «I wanna let you know I'm ok and so are the animals. Thank you so much,» Blair said.
Representatives for Blair and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
