Every pet parent knows the feeling: a dog’s unconditional love, wagging tail, and the quiet comfort they bring after a long day. So, when those same dogs are entrusted to someone for care and tragedy strikes instead of trust, it hits like a punch to the heart. That’s the painful reality unfolding in Orange County, where a respected trainer’s promise shattered the most precious bonds.
At least 10 dogs—some as young as puppies—died under his watch, and court documents now paint a grim picture of deceit, desperation, and heartbreak. This is more than a legal case; it’s a call to remember every animal deserves unwavering compassion—especially from those who profess to help them heal.
The Trusted Trainer Behind Bars
Kwong (Tony) Chun Sit, 53, built a reputation as a skilled dog trainer under names like “Happy K9 Academy,” attracting clients across Southern California and charging up to $3,400 for training programs. Clients came with hopes of obedience, agility, or simply peace of mind. But as whispers grew louder that something was terribly wrong, those hopeful expectations hardened into suspicion—and ultimately, sorrow.
Alarming Clues: One Story Leads to Many
The tragedy began unraveling when a pet owner received a suspicious text: their dog had died peacefully in its sleep and was cremated without ceremony. It’s a message no pet parent wants to receive—and when similar texts emerged from other clients, alarm bells rang. Authorities found the remains of multiple dogs at various crematoriums, suggesting attempts to speedily dispose of evidence and silence grieving families.
Charges, Investigations, and Damning Details
On June 23, Irvine Police arrested Sit and his girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, 23, on serious charges: at least 10 counts of animal cruelty and evidence destruction for Sit; and evidence-related charges for Liu. As the investigation deepens, necropsies have revealed chilling causes of death—two dogs from heat stroke and another from blunt force trauma—though full results are still pending…