Govind Tekale
A routine call about cats in a parked vehicle turned into one of the largest animal rescues in recent Merced County history when deputies discovered more than 100 felines trapped in a U-Haul van on Sunday, June 30, 2025.
Jeannie Maxon, 69, of Long Beach, now faces 93 counts of animal cruelty after deputies found 106 severely malnourished cats and 28 dead ones inside her vehicle parked at a Taco Bell in Santa Nella, California.
“It’s a sad situation,” Deputy Alexandra Britton told reporters. “Animals are our friends. So it’s hard to see somebody do that to an animal.”
The discovery happened when a Merced County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a welfare check about cats visible through a vehicle’s windows. Initially spotting about 20 cats in distress, the deputy called animal control officers who ultimately found 134 cats total – 106 alive and 28 dead.
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The cats, ranging from one-week-old kittens to 8-year-old adults, were crammed inside the van without food or water. Many showed signs of severe neglect with matted fur and extreme weight loss. The van’s interior temperature likely reached dangerous levels, as outdoor temperatures in Santa Nella hit 99 degrees that day.
“On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes, even with the windows open,” the sheriff’s office warned in a public statement.
According to Deputy Britton, this case ranks among the worst animal control calls the county has handled in years. All surviving cats were seized and transported to the Merced County Animal Shelter for immediate care. They’re currently receiving treatment at the Atwater Veterinary Center.
Despite their ordeal, Britton noted the cats “appear to be in good spirits.”
Before the cats can be adopted, they must clear several hurdles. The county must first hold a seizure hearing to establish legal custody of the animals. Following that, the cats will be placed on a 14-day hold and need medical clearance from veterinary staff.
News of the rescue sparked immediate public response. The sheriff’s office reported a flood of adoption inquiries through phone calls and Facebook comments, prompting them to issue a follow-up statement on Tuesday explaining the adoption timeline and the cats’ medical needs.
“I’m glad the cats were able to go into our care so we can facilitate getting them to a better home and getting them healthy,” Britton said.
The sheriff’s office used this incident to remind pet owners about the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles during hot weather. Even with windows partially open, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes, causing heatstroke, dehydration, and death.
“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,” officials advised.
Large-scale animal hoarding cases like this place significant strain on local animal shelters, which must suddenly accommodate dozens of animals needing extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
As of Tuesday, July 2, authorities had not released information about whether Maxon remains in custody or has legal representation. The sheriff’s office stated that their investigation remains active, and they will provide updates on the cats’ adoption process. Once medically cleared, the cats will be listed for adoption on the Merced County Animal Shelter’s website and the Merced Sheriff Animal Services’ social media platforms.
