Actress Linda Blair, known for her role in "The Exorcist," is at the center of a dispute with neighbors and facing scrutiny from county officials regarding her animal rescue foundation in Acton, California. Neighbors have alleged that her larger dogs have escaped and attacked pets and livestock, leading to a civil lawsuit. Meanwhile, county officials found her property to be significantly over its permitted animal capacity and cited violations.
Edgar Najar, a former neighbor, has sued Blair and her Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, claiming that two of Blair's dogs mauled his miniature horse in November 2022. Najar stated in a civil complaint that he was forced to shoot one of the dogs to save the horse. He also alleged that his wife was bitten during the incident, which left him and his wife with severe injuries. The lawsuit asserts that Blair and the foundation were aware of the dogs' dangerous propensities, citing at least two prior incidents where dogs from the property allegedly entered the Najars' land and attacked livestock. In one such incident in 2010, Najar claimed a dog attacked his potbellied pig, requiring a friend to shoot the dog to save the animal. The Najars have since moved from the neighborhood, citing 16 years of living in fear.
County officials conducted a raid on Blair's 2.5-acre property on July 31, discovering 251 dogs, far exceeding the permitted limit of 100 animals. Blair was cited for operating over capacity and for failing to renew her shelter's operating license, which had lapsed for three years. While no animals were removed, Blair was ordered to seek veterinary treatment for three dogs. Officials also noted that some structures on the property did not comply with zoning rules, including a building within a required setback area and an industrial-size cargo container that raised safety concerns.
The county's Regional Planning Division and Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) reported multiple unsuccessful attempts to inspect the property over the past three years. Officials stated that these attempts were either unanswered or refused, leading them to obtain a judicial warrant for the July 31 inspection.
Blair, who operates the no-kill shelter focused on rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs, has denied the allegations against her. When approached by the Daily Mail, she stated that her dogs were "fine." She later addressed the inspection on Instagram, describing it as a "really big surprise visit" related to "paperwork" and "new diagrams."
Some neighbors have expressed concerns about the number of animals and the security of the enclosures, alleging that gates were not strong or tall enough to contain larger dogs. Others have suggested Blair has been unfairly targeted due to her celebrity status, while some believe she has received lenient treatment despite alleged legal noncompliance.
An employee at the shelter stated that five to seven staff members provide round-the-clock care for the animals, ensuring they receive quality food and daily exercise. Dr. Mateo Levine-Ledezma, who visited the shelter a decade ago and adopted a dog from the foundation, was initially impressed by the care provided but expressed concern about the number of excess animals found during the recent inspection, questioning if the welfare of other canines could be compromised.
During a recent visit outside the property, a large dog was observed peering over a six- to seven-foot chain-link fence, with thick tarps obscuring the view of the animals from the road. Inside the property, numerous dog houses, some equipped with individual air conditioning units, were visible. Generators are reportedly on-site to ensure air conditioning during power outages.