News Summary
Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, a dog trainer in Irvine, and girlfriend Tingfeng Liu were arrested on charges of animal cruelty and destruction of evidence. Investigations revealed the deaths of at least 10 dogs under their care, prompting the Irvine Police to seek information from affected pet owners. The case has raised serious concerns about animal welfare standards at dog training facilities in the area.
Irvine — Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, a 53-year-old dog trainer from Irvine, and his 23-year-old girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, from Vista, have been arrested on June 19, 2023, on charges of animal cruelty and destruction of evidence. The arrests follow an investigation that revealed the deaths of at least 10 dogs while in their care.
The inquiry into Sit’s operations began after a pet owner reported receiving a concerning message indicating that their dog had died in its sleep and had been cremated. This led the Irvine Police Department’s Animal Services Unit to investigate Sit, who operated as a dog trainer under various business names, including “Happy K9 Academy.” While investigating, officers discovered that numerous pet owners had experienced similar incidents, prompting a wider examination of Sit’s practices.
Authorities recovered the remains of multiple dogs from various crematoriums, highlighting the troubling pattern of dog deaths associated with Sit’s training business. The police are particularly focused on determining if the dogs’ deaths were intentional or accidental. There have been multiple one-star reviews posted on platforms like Yelp, where several dog owners have shared their unsettling experiences of suddenly losing their pets under Sit’s care.
Following the incident, police are actively seeking additional pet owners who may have been informed of similar occurrences involving their dogs or anyone with relevant information about the case. The Irvine Police Department has established a contact point for tips or information, which can be shared via email at rsteen@cityofirvine.org.
Veterinary professionals have been brought in to perform necropsies on the deceased dogs to determine the exact causes of death. The investigation remains ongoing, aiming to uncover the full extent of the situation and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate deaths of these animals.
Kwong Sit had established a reputation as a dog trainer in Southern California, offering services that attracted pet owners across the region. However, recent developments have cast a shadow on his business practices, raising serious concerns for animal welfare.
The arrest of Sit and Liu shows a heightened commitment by the local authorities to address concerns of animal cruelty within the community. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that a clearer picture will emerge regarding the treatment of animals in Sit’s care and the legality of his methods.
Pet owners are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or treatment of dogs to local authorities. The situation has reignited broader discussions about animal welfare standards and regulations governing dog training facilities, emphasizing the need for scrutiny within this sector.
As the investigation proceeds, the Irvine community remains on alert, and further developments are anticipated, particularly regarding the findings from the veterinary necropsies and any additional evidence that may arise.
In conclusion, the reported incidents and ensuing arrests serve as a reminder of the critical role pet owners play in ensuring the safety and well-being of their animals and the importance of addressing potential abuse in all forms.
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- Fox LA
- Google Search: animal cruelty
- Orange County Register
- Wikipedia: Animal cruelty
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Animal cruelty
- KTLA News
- Google News: dog trainer Irvine
