Long Beach Woman Arrested After Over 130 Cats Found in U-Haul Amid Extreme Heat in Central California

In a shocking case of animal cruelty, Jeannie Maxon, a 69-year-old woman from Long Beach, California, was arrested over the weekend in Merced County after authorities discovered 134 cats packed inside a U-Haul van under dangerously high temperatures, with no access to food or water. The distressing incident unfolded in Santa Nella, a small city located along Interstate 5 in California’s Central Valley.

The case came to light around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, when a deputy from the Merced County Sheriff's Office responded to a report about a U-Haul van filled with cats parked in the lot of a Taco Bell in Santa Nella. Upon arrival, the deputy saw at least 20 cats in visible distress through the van’s window and immediately contacted Animal Control for assistance.

Inside the van, Animal Control officers made a horrific discovery—106 extremely emaciated cats and 28 cats that were already dead. The cats, many of them crammed into cardboard boxes, had been left in stifling heat without ventilation, food, or water. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Santa Nella had reached 99 degrees Fahrenheit that afternoon. In such conditions, the interior of a vehicle can become deadly in minutes.

Photos released by authorities show cats pressed against the front windshield, a chilling image that underscores the cruelty they endured. The surviving cats, ranging in age from just one week old to eight years, were transported to the Merced County Animal Shelter, where they received emergency veterinary care. Officials confirmed that the cats will be made available for adoption once they are deemed medically fit.

Maxon was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty and booked into the Merced County Jail. It remains unclear where the cats originally came from or how long they had been confined in the van. Authorities have not released details about Maxon’s legal representation or whether she remains in custody as of Tuesday.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office issued a public reminder about the dangers of leaving animals in vehicles during hot weather, stating, “On a warm day, temperatures inside a car can soar to extreme levels in just a few minutes—even with the windows open. This can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and death.”

As the investigation continues, animal welfare advocates and local officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any signs of animal neglect or abuse. The case has sparked widespread concern and highlights the critical need for stronger protections for animals in crisis.

Updates regarding the cats’ recovery and adoption availability will be provided by the Merced County Animal Shelter in the coming days. For now, the community continues to rally behind the effort to give these animals a second chance at life.