Authorities searched the Southern California property of actress Linda Blair, best known for her role in The Exorcist, as part of an investigation into a reported kennel operation allegedly housing more than 100 dogs.
The inspection was carried out on July 31 under a court-issued warrant during a joint operation involving the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) and the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning.
According to county officials, the purpose of the search was to inspect buildings and facilities linked to a reported kennel operation and assess whether the property complies with county regulations.
Officials said the inspection focused on the welfare, safety and living conditions of the dogs housed on the property.
“The goal is to inspect this property for buildings and structures associated with a kennel operation reported to have more than 100 dogs,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities added that permits for the kennel reportedly expired in 2023, and alleged that several attempts by county agencies to contact the property owner had gone unanswered.
“The warrant allows us to lawfully access the property and verify compliance with County codes,” the statement said.
The department said its priority was to evaluate animal care standards while ensuring the safety of both the animals and anyone living or working on the property.
According to TMZ, Blair was present during the inspection, cooperated fully with authorities, and no dogs were removed from the property.
Following the inspection, Blair addressed the incident in an Instagram post, saying both she and the animals were safe despite what she described as a surprise visit during 105 degree Fahrenheit heat.
She acknowledged that paperwork and property diagrams still needed to be completed and said she was planning to relocate to expand her educational and animal rescue efforts.
“I’d rather move forward,” Blair wrote, adding that direct communication would have been preferable to the inspection.
Blair has been a longtime advocate for animal welfare. In 2003, she founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned animals.
County officials said the investigation remains active and declined to provide further details.
“As this is an active and ongoing investigation, DACC is not able to answer specific questions about this case at this time,” the department said, adding that it remains committed to ensuring kennel operations comply with legal requirements and provide humane care for animals.