Santa Nella, Calif. — Merced County authorities say they rescued 106 severely emaciated cats and recovered 28 deceased cats from inside a rented U-Haul van parked outside a Taco Bell in Santa Nella on Sunday, June 29.
According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to a welfare check call after witnesses reported seeing cats pressed against the U-Haul’s windshield. When deputies and animal control officers opened the vehicle, they found cats of all ages — from one-week-old kittens to eight-year-old adults — crowded inside with no food or water.
Temperatures in the Santa Nella area that day had reached between 90 and 100 degrees. Authorities say the inside of the van was dangerously hot, putting the animals at risk of heatstroke and death.
The cats were identified as belonging to Jeannie Maxon, 69, of Long Beach. She was arrested at the scene and booked into the Merced County Jail on 93 counts of animal cruelty.
The surviving cats were taken to the Merced County Animal Shelter and the Atwater Veterinary Center for emergency care. Animal control officials say once the cats are medically cleared, they will be made available for adoption.
Anyone with additional information about the case is encouraged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
How to Help: Community members who wish to support the rescued cats can contact Merced County Animal Services to inquire about adoption or fostering opportunities once the animals are medically cleared. For more information, visit www.countyofmerced.com/animalservices or call (209) 385-7436.
