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SANTA NELLA, Calif. (KSEE) A California woman was arrested and faces 93 counts of animal cruelty after deputies found 106 emaciated cats and 28 dead cats in a U-Haul van on Sunday in Santa Nella, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said.
The sheriff’s office identified the owner of the cats as 69-year-old Jeannie Maxon from Long Beach.
On Sunday, a deputy was dispatched to the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Santa Nella to check on the welfare of several cats in the U-Haul van.
The deputy saw at least 20 cats in distress through the vehicle’s window.
Animal control officers responded to the scene, and that is when they found the distressed and dead cats. The sheriff’s office said no food or water was inside the vehicle.
All of the 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. The cats range from one week to eight years old.
Deputies said once the cats are medically cleared, they will be available for adoption.
Maxon faces 93 counts of animal cruelty and was booked into the Merced County Jail.