Officials with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control are continuing an investigation into the property of actress Linda Blair, known for her role in "The Exorcist." The probe, which began with complaints of overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, led to an inspection on July 31 that revealed 251 dogs on the 2.5-acre no-kill shelter property in Acton, California.
During the inspection, which involved multiple county agencies including Regional Planning, Public Works, and Public Health, officials issued orders for veterinary treatment for three of the dogs. No dogs were removed from the property at that time. The inspection was conducted after complaints alleged that more than 100 dogs were being kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
The property is occupied by the Linda Blair Worldheart Foundation. According to officials, a license that previously permitted Blair to house a maximum of 100 dogs had expired in 2023 and had not been renewed. Authorities also checked compliance with building and land use codes and regulations. Complaints specified that canines were housed in unpermitted sheds or outbuildings, with some structures violating zoning rules, including buildings in required setback areas and the presence of an industrial-sized cargo container.
This is not the first time the property has faced scrutiny. Previous citations involved license violations, with one noting more than 180 dogs on the premises, exceeding guidelines. Officials stated that the Regional Planning division had attempted nine times to search the premises, and the Department of Animal Care and Control had made 15 attempts over three years to coordinate an inspection with Blair. These attempts were reportedly met with refusal or went unanswered, leading to the county seeking a judicial warrant.
Blair, who founded the LBWF in 2003, reportedly downplayed the inspection, attributing it to pending paperwork and stating the animals were "fine." She expressed surprise on social media that mail was not used more frequently for notification.
Blair, who describes herself as the primary caregiver and behaviorist at WorldHeart Foundation, stated on the organization's website that it provides "top-quality, lifelong care to the animals it rescues," emphasizing proper nutrition, veterinary care, and training. A former staffer told TMZ that while Blair could be "in over her head" with a large number of animals, she was dedicated to their care.
Blair, who gained fame in 1973 for her role in "The Exorcist," has recently been recovering from a near-fatal thyroid storm. She has not acted since appearing in "The Exorcist: Believer" in 2023. She is reportedly writing a memoir.