Santa Nella, California — A welfare check in Central California resulted in the shocking discovery of 28 dead cats and another 106 emaciated cats trapped in a U-Haul van parked outside a Taco Bell in Santa Nella on Sunday.
Authorities were called to check on the cats after distress was reported about their condition.
The Grisly Discovery
Merced County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request for a welfare check in the early evening hours. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies observed nearly two dozen cats in visible distress through the windshield.
Animal control officers were immediately called to assist and upon opening the U-Haul, they found a disturbing scene — no food or water for the animals, just extreme suffering.
A total of 134 cats were found inside, ranging from just one week old to eight years old. They were immediately taken into custody by the Merced County Animal Shelter, and Atwater Veterinary Center was called in to provide medical care to the surviving animals.
The Arrest
The owner of the cats, Jeannie Maxon, 69, from Long Beach, was identified as the person responsible for the condition of the animals. Maxon was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail, where she faces 93 counts of animal cruelty.
Animal Welfare Reminder
At the time of the discovery, temperatures in the region had reached around 90°F.
Authorities pointed out the extreme danger of leaving animals in vehicles during hot weather, noting that even with windows cracked, the temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, and, as seen in this case, death.
“On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes,” said the sheriff’s office in their statement. “This can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death of the animal left inside.”
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Adoption Information
While the cats are now in the care of the shelter, those interested in adopting will need to wait for more details, which will be released at a later time.
Call to Action
Do you think stricter laws are needed to prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more information about animal welfare or adoption, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
