Merced County deputies rescue 106 cats in U-Haul van at parking lot. Woman arrested
Merced deputies seized many cats June 29 at a Taco Bell parking lot in Santa Nella.
Deputies responded at 5:30 p.m. to check on the welfare of several cats in a U-Haul van.
A deputy observed at least 20 cats in distress through the vehicle’s window. Animal Control Officers were called to the scene and located 106 extremely emaciated cats and 28 dead cats.
No food or water was located inside the vehicle, deputies said.
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, deputies said.
The cats will be available for adoption once they are medically cleared.
The owner of the cats, identified as 69-year-old Jeannie Maxon, was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty and booked into the Merced County jail.
The investigation is ongoing.
