Linda Blair said she and the animals in her care are safe and doing well after Los Angeles County authorities searched her Southern California property as part of an active investigation into a reported kennel operation said to house more than 100 dogs.
The 67-year-old actress, who received an Oscar nomination for her role inThe Exorcist, called the Friday visit a «surprise» in an Instagram video posted July 31. With temperatures around 105 degrees, Blair said she wanted to check in and reassure supporters, explaining that the visit was tied to paperwork and diagrams, not the animals' condition. «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 said.
The search was carried out under an inspection warrant as part of a joint operation involving the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Department of Regional Planning. Officials said the warrant allowed them to lawfully enter the property and verify whether it complies with county codes. Investigators were assessing animal care, safety conditions and the overall welfare of the dogs housed at the site. County officials have alleged that kennel permits for the property expired in 2023 and that repeated attempts to contact the property owner were unsuccessful.
In a statement, the Department of Animal Care and Control said its priority is the safety and well-being of both the animals on the property and the people who may be working or residing there. «This inspection will help us determine whether conditions meet required standards,» the department said. DACC noted that the matter remains an active and ongoing investigation and declined to provide additional details, adding that it is committed to ensuring kennel operations meet legal requirements and provide humane care.
Blair, who founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation in 2003 to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned animals, said she has been planning to relocate her rescue operation. She encouraged supporters to donate to the foundation and stressed the importance of animal rescue work. «I always say you know a good old-fashioned letter of contact always works. Be safe, save lives, support animal rescue cause we're all fighting to save lives,» she said in the video.
No dogs were removed from the property during the inspection, according to reports, and Blair cooperated with authorities. She maintained that the visit centered on administrative issues, saying «I wanna let you know I'm ok and so are the animals. Thank you so much.» Additional details were not immediately released as the investigation continues. Requests for additional comment from Blair's representatives and the county were not immediately returned.