Authorities in Merced County, California, arrested a 69-year-old Long Beach woman after finding 134 cats stuffed in a U-Haul van at a Taco Bell parking lot in Santa Nella. The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on June 29 when deputies responded to a report of pets in distress.
Officers looked into the van through the windows, finding numerous cats were apparently suffering.
Inside the van, deputies located 106 live cats—many dehydrated and malnourished—while discovering 28 dead cats. Cats ranged in age from just several weeks to several years.
There was no food or water in the van, and the outside temperature had reached close to 99 degrees. Officials stated that the heat inside the enclosed area would likely have been much hotter.
Animal control officers transported the live cats to local veterinary centers and shelters for treatment. Officials said that the cats were stuffed in crates and loose inside the van with no ventilation. Many of the cats are on the road to recovery and will be available for adoption.
Authorities strongly advised the community to not leave animals in vehicles and to report suspected animal cruelty immediately.
69-year-old Jeannie Maxxon from Long Beach was arrested for animal cruelty after 134 cats were found in a U-Haul van on Sunday in Merced, with 28 of them found dead.
— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) July 1, 2025
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(Photo: Merced Sheriff's Office) pic.twitter.com/ugk4MZeasv
Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against Long Beach Resident
The woman identified as the owner of the van, Jeannie Maxon, was arrested and booked on 93 counts of animal cruelty and is now in custody at the Merced County Jail.
Investigators continue to try to figure out why so many animals were in the van and how long they had been there.
According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, this was one of the largest animal neglect cases they have encountered in recent years. Officials said high temperatures in enclosed spaces are especially dangerous for animals and that in most cases, exposure would only take a few minutes before an animal can suffer heat-related illness or death.
The cats rescued will be cared for at the Merced County Animal Shelter and the Atwater Veterinary Center. Once the cats are healthy enough, it is expected that some will eventually be made available for adoption through the shelter’s and social media pages.
Law enforcement and animal welfare groups are using this case to provide education on how to provide proper animal care. They reminded the public that animals should always have access to food, water, and ventilation, especially in hot climates.
