July 1, 2025 – Santa Nella, CA – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., Deputy Ross was dispatched to the parking lot of the Taco Bell in Santa Nella to check on the welfare of several cats in a U-Haul Van. Deputy Ross observed at least 20 cats in distress through the vehicle's window. Animal Control Officers Rafferty and Pacheco responded to the scene and located 106 extremely emaciated cats, as well as 28 deceased cats. No food or water was located inside the vehicle.

All cats were seized and taken to the Merced County Animal Shelter. Animal Services contacted the Atwater Veterinary Center to assist with the medical treatment of the cats, which ranged in age from one week to 8 years old. Once the cats are medically cleared, they will be available for adoption. The owner of the cats, identified as Jeannie Maxon, age 69, from Long Beach, was arrested on 93 counts of Animal Cruelty and booked into the Merced County Jail. This investigation remains active, and additional updates will be provided regarding the adoption process for the cats.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the public that leaving any animal in a vehicle during the summer months is very dangerous. On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows open. This can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and even death of the animal left inside. Please ensure that when you're traveling with your pet, they're provided with a cool place to stay, offering plenty of shade, lots of water, and food.

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office