California Woman Arrested After Over 100 Emaciated Cats Found in U-Haul Van

Merced County Sheriff's Office - PHOTO: A Southern California woman was arrested after leaving over 100 cats inside a U-Haul in a parking lot, according to the Merced County Sheriff's Office

A 69-year-old woman from Long Beach, California, has been arrested after deputies discovered more than 100 cats, many of them severely malnourished, inside a U-Haul van parked outside a fast food restaurant in Santa Nella, Merced County.

Jeannie Maxon was taken into custody on Sunday after law enforcement responded to a call reporting the welfare of several cats confined in a vehicle near a Taco Bell parking lot. According to the Merced County Sheriff's Office, a responding deputy observed at least 20 visibly distressed cats through the window of the U-Haul.

Animal control officers were called to the scene and uncovered a total of 106 cats packed inside the van, many of them in “extremely emaciated” condition and without access to food or water. In addition, 28 deceased cats were found among the living, bringing the total number of animals in the van to 134.

The cats ranged in age from as young as one week to eight years old. Disturbing photos from the scene show the animals crammed against the windshield and stored in cardboard boxes throughout the vehicle’s interior.

All surviving cats were removed and transported to the Merced County Animal Shelter, where they are receiving veterinary care. Shelter officials confirmed that once the animals are medically cleared, they will be made available for adoption.

Maxon has been charged with 93 counts of animal cruelty and was booked into the Merced County Jail. Authorities have not confirmed whether she remains in custody or if she has legal representation.

The case remains under active investigation, and the sheriff’s office said further updates will be provided, particularly concerning the timeline for the cats’ availability for adoption.

In a public reminder, officials warned about the dangers of leaving animals inside unattended vehicles, especially during summer months. “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 stated. “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.”