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Linda Blair is speaking out after authorities searched her Southern California property as part of an active investigation into a reported kennel operation allegedly housing more than 100 dogs.
“The Exorcist” star, 67, said she and the animals in her care are “good” after a “surprise” visit from Los Angeles County officials on Friday.
Officials executed an inspection warrant as part of a joint operation between the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care (DACC) and Control and the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, according to People magazine. Officials told the outlet the operation was intended to evaluate the welfare of the animals and 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° heat! 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,” Blair captioned a video posted to Instagram on July 31.
‘EXORCIST’ STAR LINDA BLAIR ‘UNKNOWINGLY’ WALKED AWAY FROM HOLLYWOOD
“The Exorcist” star Linda Blair speaks out after her California home was visited by authorities as part of an active investigation into a reported kennel operation. (Getty Images; Linda Blair Instagram)
“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. “And I always say you know a good old-fashioned letter of contact always works. Be safe safe lives support animal rescue cause we’re all fighting to save lives.
The Oscar-nominated actress added that she has been planning to relocate her rescue operation.
The search was conducted after authorities sought to inspect a property “associated with a kennel operation reported to have more than 100 dogs,” per People.
Officials alleged the kennel permits expired in 2023 and claimed multiple attempts to contact the property owner had gone unanswered.
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“The warrant allows us to lawfully access the property and verify compliance with County codes,” the department said in a statement to People, adding that investigators were assessing “animal care, safety conditions, and overall welfare of the dogs housed on the property.”
Blair, who rose to fame in “The Exorcist” in 1973, said the investigation was a mix-up over paperwork. (Getty Images)
“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 statement continued. “This inspection will help us determine whether conditions meet required standards.”
The DACC said the matter remains an active investigation and declined to provide additional details.
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“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 is committed to ensuring kennel operations meet legal requirements and provide humane care.
TMZ, which first reported the search, said Blair was present during the inspection and cooperated with authorities. No dogs were removed from the property, according to the outlet.
Linda Blair “unknowingly” stepped away from acting to launch her Worldheart Foundation in 2003. (Getty Images)
In a video accompanying her Instagram post, Blair reiterated that the visit centered on administrative issues rather than the animals’ condition.
“Today we got a really big surprise visit,” she said in the video. “And as it turns out, there is nothing but some paperwork and some new diagrams and things.”
“Wanted to check in and let you know I am fine. The animals are fine. And we just have some paperwork that has to be dealt with. And that’s all this was all about. I don’t know why mail isn’t used more often to notify somebody. Just saying,” she said, while also 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.
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She ended her video by reiterating how she and the animals are doing, saying, “I wanna let you know I’m ok and so are the animals. Thank you so much.”
Representatives for Blair and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control did not immediately respond to Digital’s request for comment.
