Tragedy in Irvine: Dog Trainer and Girlfriend Arrested After Multiple Canine Deaths
IRVINE, Calif. — A disturbing case out of Orange County has shaken the local pet community and led to charges against a professional dog trainer and his partner. Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, 53, and his girlfriend, 23‑year‑old Tingfeng Liu, were arrested by Irvine Police on June 19 following an investigation into the mysterious deaths of at least 11 dogs in their care.
From Trust to Tragedy
Sit ran a Southern California-based dog training and boarding service—including under the name Happy K9 Academy—describing himself as a passionate caretaker on his website. A listing even referenced a public park in Tustin as the facility’s location, despite offering no verifiable address.
Owners entrusted their beloved pets to Sit’s care. The ordeal began unraveling when a concerned owner reached out to police after being told via text that their dog “died peacefully in its sleep” and had been cremated—without being given further details or even a chance to say goodbye.
That one incident sparked an in-depth investigation by Irvine’s Animal Services Unit, which uncovered evidence indicating nine additional canine fatalities occurring within a short span of time, many of which were allegedly taken to various crematoriums by either Sit or Liu.
Charges Filed, Evidence Uncovered
On June 23, Sit was arraigned in Orange County Superior Court, entering a plea of not guilty to a total of 11 felony counts each of animal cruelty and caretaker abuse, seven misdemeanor counts of attempted evidence destruction, and one misdemeanor count of evidence destruction. Liu pleaded not guilty to one felony count of accessory to a felony and related misdemeanors.
Prosecutors allege Sit and Liu attempted to conceal the scale of harm by impersonating owners to authorize cremations, effectively preventing necropsies that could have unveiled the actual causes of death.
Shock and Outrage from Affected Families
Among those affected was Aimee Gutierrez, whose family rescued a 9‑month‑old Belgian Malinois named Saint. They were devastated when they received a terse message stating Saint died in her sleep and was already cremated. Gutierrez said, “We were not given details… We later learned that she had been cremated without our consent or knowledge.”
One Irvine resident, grieving the loss of their dog, said, “I fear that if Tony is released on bail, my whole family can’t sleep because of this man.”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Stakes
Preliminary necropsies—animal autopsies—have been conducted on three of the recovered bodies. Vets determined two succumbed to heat stroke and one sustained fatal blunt-force trauma. Necropsy results for the remaining dogs are still pending, and investigators are searching for two additional remains yet to be located.
A spokesperson compared the betrayal of trust to a parent leaving a child in danger, stating: “He’s still responsible for the well-being of these animals, regardless of intent.”
Sit faces a maximum sentence of nearly 14 years in prison, while Liu could receive up to 4 years if convicted on all counts. Both remain jailed on $550,000 bail and are under court orders not to interact with animals.
A Community Demands Answers
This case has spurred an outcry from the dog-owning community and heightened awareness of the risks involved in pet boarding and training. The Irvine Police continue to urge anyone who used Sit’s services—or lost a dog in suspicious circumstances—to come forward with information.
Takeaway: Vet Within Trusted Circles
While this case remains under active investigation, it underscores the vital importance of transparency and accountability in professional pet care. Owners should:
- Verify service locations and licensing
- Request regular in-person updates
- Insist on returning pets directly
- Seek veterinary oversight when animals appear distressed
The community awaits more clarity, and with necropsy reports still pending, authorities hope to uncover how such profound trust was so tragically violated.
