Linda Blair is speaking out after authorities searched her Southern California property as part of an investigation into a reported kennel operation housing more than 100 dogs.
The 67-year-old actress, best known for starring in “The Exorcist,” addressed the search in an Instagram post on July 31, saying she and the animals on the property were “good” following what she described as a surprise visit.
“Turns out we just have some paperwork to do and some diagrams,” Blair wrote. “But as everybody knows, I’m looking to move so I can be more educational and help more animals.”
Blair also suggested county officials should have contacted her by mail, writing that “a good old-fashioned letter of contact always works.” In a video accompanying the post, she said she has been trying to relocate for the past two years to expand her animal rescue efforts and emphasized that the animals on the property were safe.
Why was Linda Blair’s property searched?
The search was conducted under an inspection warrant as part of a joint operation involving the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, according to reports from People and Fox 8.
Officials said the inspection was intended to evaluate buildings and structures connected to a reported kennel operation, assess the welfare of the dogs on the property and determine whether the site complies with county regulations.
“The goal is to inspect this property for buildings and structures associated with a kennel operation reported to have more than 100 dogs,” the county said in a statement to People.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control also said the kennel facility’s permits expired in 2023 and alleged that repeated attempts by county agencies to contact Blair had gone unanswered.
“The warrant allows us to lawfully access the property and verify compliance with County codes,” the department said in the People report, adding that inspectors were evaluating “animal care, safety conditions, and overall welfare of the dogs housed on the property.”
Officials said their priority was ensuring the safety and well-being of both the animals and anyone living or working at the property. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released additional details.
Were any animals removed?
According to TMZ, Blair was present during the inspection, cooperated with authorities and no dogs were removed from the property.
TMZ also reported Blair is permitted to house about 60 dogs, though approximately 200 were found on the property.
Blair highlights decades of animal rescue work
In her Instagram video, Blair said the attention surrounding the inspection prompted her to reassure supporters.
“It’s kind of on the news right now, so I wanted to check in and let you know I’m fine, the animals are fine, and we just have some paperwork that has to be dealt with. That’s all this was all about,” she said.
Blair also encouraged donations to the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, the nonprofit organization she founded in 2003 to rescue and rehabilitate abused, neglected and abandoned animals.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT