Union County officials rescued more than 70 dogs and cats from unsafe and unsanitary conditions in two Elizabeth home over the past month.

Some of the animals were missing teeth, some suffered from skin problems and others couldn't use their legs. One pet owner was charged, and charges are pending for the second owner.

One of the 50 animals rescued after recent Union County Prosecutor's Office investigations.

In the first incident, 13 dogs were found last month in poor health and in unsanitary conditions. They suffered from missing teeth, serious skin problems, hair loss, and matting so severe that several animals couldn't use their legs.

An Elizabeth Health Department inspector first noticed two of the dogs outside in unsanitary conditions in crates on a property owned by Rosa Montero, of Elizabeth.

During a search of Montero's home, authorities discovered the remaining animals.

One of 50 animals rescued.

Montero has been charged with three counts of third-degree failure to provide necessary care to an animal, causing it serious bodily injury, six counts of fourth-degree failure to provide necessary care to an animal, and four counts of animal neglect, a disorderly persons offense.

If found guilty, she faces up to five years in prison.

The dogs received medical care from the Traveling Paws Animal Rescue based in Cranford; Puppy Love Pet Rescue in Roselle Park and St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison.

In the second case, a resident saw a Facebook post that caused him or her to contact authorities about possible abuse.

Authorities searched the home on the 600 block of Chetwood Street on Aug. 17 and discovered 39 dogs and 18 cats, including six that were pregnant. None of the animals had ever received veterinary services, authorities said.

Charges are pending, according to the press release.

Those animals received medical attention at Traveling Paws, St. Hubert's, All Star Pet Rescue in Linden, Second Chance Pet Adoption League in Oak Ridge, Lost Paws Animal Rescue in Pittstown, and Feline Rescue of Staten Island.

Anyone with information about these incidents or similar incidents is urged to contact Union County Assistant Prosecutor Patricia Cronin at 908-527-4169 or Prosecutor's Office Detective Vito Colacitti at 908-527-4387.

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo.

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