OC Dog Trainer Killed 11 Dogs, Cremated Remains To Cover Up Crime: OCDA

IRVINE, CA — An Orange County dog trainer was convicted for the deaths of 11 dogs under his care and later cremating their bodies to cover up their cause of death.

Irvine resident Kwong Chun Sit — also known as Tony — operated Happy K9 Academy, a behavioral training services and overnight boarding business for dogs.

Prices for the services ranged from $999 to $3,999, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

The incidents happened in June 2025, when the dogs were left in Sit's care for training that typically lasted up to several weeks at a time.

According to prosecutors, Sit left the animals in small crates inside a hot van where they died of heat stroke.

Sit devised a plan to cover up the dogs' death and asked his girlfriend, 24-year-old Vista resident Tingfeng Liu, to help him carry out the plan, prosecutors said.

The couple dropped off the dogs' bodies at several crematoriums in the area in an attempt to avoid suspicion, police said.

According to OCDA Todd Spitzer, Sit messaged one of the dog's owners on June 18, 2025 which read:

"I'm so sorry to let you know that Miko passed away peacefully during the night while resting. There were no signs of pain or struggle, and it was truly unexpected. I am deeply saddened by this loss.

Out of respect, I will refund the full training fee and offer additional compensation. The body has been lovingly cremated, and I will keep the ashes safe for you until you’re ready. Please know my thoughts are with you. If you need anything, I’m here for you. Sincerely, Tony."

The Irvine Police Department started investigating the couple after a dog's owner reported the incident to authorities.

Following an investigation, police were able to find the bodies of multiple dogs at different crematoriums that had been dropped off by either Sit or Liu.

Necropsies performed on the dogs revealed that eight dogs died from heat stroke and one dog, a puppy, died from blunt force trauma, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said that some dogs were found with blood on their faces, fur or paws.

"These dogs did not die peacefully in their sleep," OC Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman said. "These dogs did have signs of pain and struggle, unlike what Sit told the families, they suffered prior to their death."

The dogs were identified as Rosie, Shadow, Ziggy, Miko, Theo, Puffin, Cody, Zoe, Luna, Bang Bang and Saint, The Orange County Register reported.