“The Exorcist” star Linda Blair faced a dramatic early-morning raid Friday as more than 70 officials descended on her California property to investigate the large number of rescue dogs reportedly living there.
Authorities arrived at Blair’s 2½-acre residence around 6 a.m., accompanied by investigators from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Animal Control, Zoning, Building and Safety, and several other agencies.
Despite the massive show of force, the search was not connected to any alleged criminal conduct by the 67-year-old actress.
Instead, officials were carrying out what was described as an “investigative warrant” to examine possible violations involving the animals, electrical panels and other conditions on the property.
Blair reportedly has a permit allowing her to house approximately 60 dogs. However, authorities allegedly discovered roughly 200 canines living at the residence — more than three times the permitted number.
Animal Control officers inspected the dogs to determine whether they were being properly cared for and to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the operation.
None of the animals were removed from the property.
Blair, who has spent years rescuing and advocating for animals, was home when officials arrived and was described as “extremely cooperative” throughout the search.
The operation was reportedly conducted at the request of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as investigators gathered evidence concerning the number of animals and potential building, zoning and safety violations.
It remains unclear whether Blair received any citations or whether further action will be taken.
Blair became a household name after playing possessed teenager Regan MacNeil in the 1973 horror classic “The Exorcist.” In the decades since, she has become widely known for her animal-rescue work.