A woman was arrested after leaving more than 100 cats inside a U-Haul in a parking lot in southern California, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s office.
Jeannie Maxon, 69, was arrested Sunday after the agents were sent to a parking lot of a taco bell in Santa Nella, California, to “see the well-being of several cats in a U-Haul truck,” said the Sheriff’s office in a statement on Monday.
Once on the scene, the deputy observed “at least 20 cats in trouble” through the vehicle window, authorities said.
Animal Control then responded to the scene and located 106 “Extremely Demacred Cats, as well as 28 deceased cats” in the vehicle without food or water, authorities said.
A woman from southern California was arrested after leaving more than 100 cats inside a U-Haul in a parking lot, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s office.
Merced County Sheriff Office
The photos of the scene show the felines pressed against the front windshield of the truck, and others are found in cardboard boxes inside the vehicle.
All cats, which ranged from a week up to 8 years, were seized and taken to the Merced County Animals refuge, authorities said.
Once the cats are medically clear by the veterinary staff, they will be available for adoption, authorities said.
Maxon, who is from Long Beach, California, was accused of 93 charges of animal cruelty and registered in the Merced County prison.
The Sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and will provide updates on the cat adoption process.
The authorities reminded the public the dangers of keeping an animal inside a unattended vehicle, especially on a summer day.
“On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can fly to extreme levels in just a few minutes, even with open windows. Make sure that when you travel with your pet, they are provided a great place to stay, offering a lot of shadow, a lot of water and food,” said the Sheriff’s office in a statement.
It is not clear if Maxon remains in custody until Tuesday or if he has a lawyer who can speak in his name.
