SANTA NELLA, Calif. — Merced County Animal Services is continuing to care for 106 Persian cats rescued from a U-Haul van in late June, following what officials described as one of the worst cases of animal neglect in recent memory.
The cats, found emaciated and dehydrated inside the van parked outside a Taco Bell in Santa Nella, are now receiving medical treatment, grooming, and emotional support at the Merced County Animal Shelter. Officials say their priority is ensuring each cat recovers fully before any adoption efforts begin.
“Once the cats are healthy enough to be adopted, they will be posted on the Merced County Animal Shelter’s webpage, as well as on the Merced Sheriff’s Animal Services’ social media platforms,” the sheriff’s office said. A seizure hearing and a mandatory 14-day hold must take place before any animals can be placed.
The cats range in age from one week to eight years old. They were discovered on June 29 after Deputy Ross responded to a welfare check and saw dozens of visibly malnourished cats through the van’s window. Animal Control Officers Rafferty and Pacheco arrived and found 106 living cats and 28 deceased ones inside, with no food or water and dangerously high temperatures.
The driver of the van, 69-year-old Jeannie Maxon of Long Beach, was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on 93 counts of animal cruelty. The case remains under investigation.
In response to widespread community interest, Merced County Animal Services has launched a GoFundMe and an Amazon Wishlist to support the cats’ recovery and future adoption efforts. Donations will help cover medical care, grooming supplies, and other essentials.
To contribute, supporters can visit https://gofund.me/ae22fe7a or access the Amazon Wishlist at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/379DJOI8GQWJH.
Officials also issued a summer safety reminder: never leave pets in vehicles, even briefly. Temperatures inside can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke, dehydration, or death.
Updates on the cats’ recovery and adoption availability will be posted on Merced County Animal Services’ social media platforms.
