Recovery Fund for 106 Rescued Cats

On June 29, 2025, at 5:30 PM, a heartbreaking situation unfolded in the parking lot of Taco Bell in Santa Nella, California. Deputies responded to a welfare check call regarding cats inside a U-Haul van. When deputies arrived, they saw several cats in visible distress through the vehicle’s windows. Animal Control Officers were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered 106 severely neglected and emaciated cats—alongside 28 deceased cats—crammed into the hot, airless van. There was no food or water inside, and many of the cats were in critical condition. The animals were immediately seized and transported to the Merced County Animal Shelter, where they received veterinary care. The cats are a variety of different ages, and many are in need of intensive care and medical grooming due to the conditions they endured.

The person responsible for this was arrested on 93 counts of animal cruelty and booked into Merced County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation, but the focus now is on helping the surviving cats heal and find loving homes. Once they are medically cleared, they will be made available for adoption or rescue through Merced County Animal Services.

As we have gotten many inquires on how to help the surviving cats, we are launching this fundraiser to directly support the 106 cats seized and others who may be rescued in future cruelty or hoarding cases. All donations will go toward medical grooming to remove painful matting and filth, nutritious food, and essential recovery supplies. 100% of the money donated to Merced County Sheriff's CLEO will be used towards animal medical care and adoption readiness.

These cats didn’t ask for the conditions they were rescued from, but they now have a second chance. With your help, we can give them the love, care, and future they deserve. Please consider donating, sharing this campaign, or adopting when these animals are ready. Every contribution helps us turn cruelty into compassion. Thank you for supporting the animals of Merced County.