News Summary
A dog trainer in Irvine has been charged with animal cruelty following the deaths of 11 dogs, including a family’s Belgian Malinois puppy. Kwong ‘Tony’ Chun Sit faces multiple felony counts alongside his girlfriend, who is charged as an accessory. The tragic case highlights the urgent need for enforcement of animal welfare laws as investigations continue. Community outrage grows while the couple’s bail is set at $550,000.
Irvine, California – A Tragic Case of Animal Cruelty
A dog trainer in Irvine has been charged with animal cruelty following the deaths of 11 dogs, including a family’s beloved Belgian Malinois puppy, Saint. Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, 53, was indicted in Orange County Superior Court on over 20 felony counts of animal cruelty and multiple misdemeanors related to the destruction of evidence. His girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, 23, has also been charged as an accessory after the fact in connection with the alleged abuse.
Prosecutors have established a connection between Sit and Liu and the deaths of at least 11 dogs in their care on a single day in June. Among the deceased dogs, two reportedly succumbed to heat stroke, while one suffered from blunt force trauma. The remaining deaths are currently under investigation, as necropsies are being conducted to determine the cause. Bail for both defendants has been set at $550,000, which amounts to approximately $50,000 for each dog allegedly harmed.
The case first came to light when a pet owner alerted investigators after receiving a suspicious message about their dog’s death from Sit. Following this report, police discovered that Sit and Liu were allegedly preparing to flee when they were apprehended. The couple had attempted to cremate the deceased dogs, trying to conceal evidence, but authorities intervened before the process could be carried out.
Aimee Gutierrez, the owner of Saint, voiced her deep sorrow and frustration over the tragic loss of her pet. She had recently adopted the puppy from a Baldwin Park shelter just three weeks prior to its death. Gutierrez expressed that she has questions surrounding the circumstances of Saint’s demise that remain unanswered.
Sit operated Happy K9 Academy along with other dog training enterprises, drawing in numerous clients with favorable online testimonials. However, multiple necropsies revealed that several dogs had been dropped off at crematoriums under questionable circumstances, tracing back to Sit and Liu. The first cremation occurred on June 13, 2025, with most dogs being delivered to crematoriums on June 18, 2025.
The indictment of both Sit and Liu has sparked outrage and concern among pet owners in the community. A police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are actively seeking additional information from potential victims of Sit’s training services. This incident has raised awareness about the welfare of dogs in training facilities and the potential dangers that can occur in such environments.
If convicted of the charges against him, Sit could face a maximum prison sentence of 13 years and 11 months. Liu, on the other hand, may be sentenced to up to four years in prison, should she be found guilty.
As the investigation continues, the local community and animal rights advocates are rallying for justice for the dogs affected by this heartbreaking incident. The case serves as a reminder of the imperative responsibilities held by dog trainers and caretakers, and the urgent need for enforcement of animal welfare laws to protect the lives and well-being of animals entrusted to their care.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Couple Charged with Animal Cruelty After Deaths of Eleven Dogs
Animal Trainer Arrested Following Deaths of Multiple Dogs
Arrests Made in Dog Death Investigation in Irvine
Dog Trainer Arrested for Animal Cruelty in Irvine
Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Los Angeles Times
- Orange County Register
- People
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Animal Cruelty
- Google Search: Animal Cruelty Laws
- Google Scholar: Animal Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal Rights
- Google News: Animal Training Abuse
