Police say a woman neglected a litter of puppies — one of which later died of a highly contagious canine disease — and then took ownership of another dog after officials removed the litter. 32 year old Irene Tsakos of Dubuque is charged in Iowa District Court of Dubuque County with two counts of animal neglect causing serious injury or death. Her initial appearance took place Wednesday at the Dubuque County Courthouse. According to reports, Dubuque animal control officers removed six dogs from the residence of Tsakos and 32 year old Jon Paradiso on April 10 following a report of neglect. The dogs — which were among a litter of 10 puppies born in January — were unvaccinated and lived in unsanitary conditions.



