Authorities say the inspection was intended to evaluate the welfare of dogs housed on the property and determine compliance with county codes

NEED TO KNOW

• Authorities searched actress Linda Blair’s Southern California property as part of an investigation into a reported kennel operation
• Los Angeles County officials say the inspection was conducted to evaluate the welfare of dogs housed on the property and ensure compliance with county codes
• TMZ reported Blair was “extremely cooperative” during the inspection, and no dogs were removed from the property

Linda Blair’s Southern California property was searched on Friday, July 31, as part of an active investigation into a reported kennel operation, according to Los Angeles County officials.

TMZ first reported the search.

The Exorcist star’s property was searched under an inspection warrant as part of a joint operation between the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control and the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, according to a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“The goal is to inspect this property for buildings and structures associated with a kennel operation reported to have more than 100 dogs,” the department said in the statement.

The DACC added that the kennel facility’s permits expired in 2023 and alleged that multiple attempts by both county agencies to contact the owner had gone unanswered.

“The warrant allows us to lawfully access the property and verify compliance with County codes,” the department said.

The department said its role during the operation was to evaluate “animal care, safety conditions, and overall welfare of the dogs housed on the property.”

“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 department said. “This inspection will help us determine whether conditions meet required standards.”

TMZ reported that Blair, 67, was present during the inspection and was “extremely cooperative,” citing unnamed sources. The outlet also reported that no dogs were removed from the property.

In an Instagram post shared on Friday, July 31, Blair addressed the incident, saying that she and the animals were “good in lieu of our surprise visit in 105° heat.”

“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,” Blair wrote. “I’d rather move forward. 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.”

Blair has long been involved in animal rescue efforts. In 2003, the actress founded the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abused, neglected and abandoned animals. In a previous interview with PEOPLE, Blair described helping animals as her “life’s calling.”

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Since the matter remains under investigation, DACC said it could not provide additional details at this time.

“As this is an active and ongoing investigation, DACC is not able to answer specific questions about this case at this time,” the statement reads. “DACC appreciates the public’s concern and want to assure everyone that the Department is committed to ensuring all kennel operations meet legal requirements and provide humane care.”

PEOPLE has reached out to Blair’s representative for comment.

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