In Santa Nella, California, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a parking lot at the Taco Bell to check on a report about several cats spotted in a U-Haul van. Deputy Ross observed at least 20 cats in heat distress through the vehicle’s front window.
When deputies opened the vehicle, they found 106 cats sitting in the hot summer sun. They also found 28 cats that had died. There was no food or water available.
The cats have been transferred to the Merced County Animal Shelter. Atwater Veterinary Center has been assisting with the cats’ medical treatment. The 106 cats, ranging in ages from one week to eight years old are all being checked, and when medically cleared, will be available for adoption.
The owner of the cats, Jeannie Maxon, 69, 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.
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