Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Department of Regional Planning conducted a raid on the California home of actress Linda Blair on Friday, discovering approximately 200 dogs on the property. Blair, known for her role in the 1973 film "The Exorcist," was reportedly permitted to keep around 60 dogs.
Blair, who has actively supported animal rescue causes through her nonprofit organization, was present during the operation and described as "extremely cooperative" by TMZ. The raid aimed to assess the animals and gather evidence concerning the 2.5-acre property, which was reportedly operating as a kennel.
According to a statement from officials to PEOPLE, the objective was to inspect the property for structures associated with a kennel operation reported to house more than 100 dogs. The department noted that Blair's facility permits expired in 2023, and multiple attempts to contact her had been unsuccessful. The warrant allowed officials to access the property to verify compliance with county codes, focusing on animal care, safety conditions, and the overall welfare of the dogs housed there.
Blair suggested in an Instagram post that the raid might have been an overreaction, stating, "The animals are good in lieu of our surprise visit in 105° heat!" She indicated that there was only "some paperwork to do and some diagrams" and expressed her desire to move to a location where she could be more educational and help more animals. She emphasized the importance of supporting animal rescue efforts.
Blair gained fame for her portrayal of the possessed Regan MacNeil in the original "The Exorcist" and reprised the role in the 2023 sequel "The Exorcist: Believer." She also appeared in the animal rescue television show "Pit Boss" from 2010 to 2012.