An animal trainer and his girlfriend were arrested in Irvine after the deaths of at least ten dogs, raising serious concerns about animal welfare. The arrests occurred on Thursday night, following a report from a pet owner who became suspicious about the sudden death of their dog while in the trainer’s care.
Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, 53, and Tingfeng Liu, 23, are facing charges of animal cruelty and destruction of evidence. The investigation began when a family contacted the Irvine Police Department, stating that their dog had died unexpectedly and was cremated without their consent. This prompted authorities to look deeper into the situation.
Police spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp noted that the investigation quickly revealed a disturbing pattern. Initially, they thought it was a single incident, but the number of deceased dogs rose to ten, with nine dying on the same day. The deaths occurred around Wednesday, and police are now trying to identify more potential victims.
One dog that died last week was cremated, and its remains are currently with its family. Officials believe they have recovered the bodies of all the deceased dogs, which were taken to various crematoriums. Necropsies are being conducted by veterinary professionals to determine the exact causes of death.
Oldoerp explained that if all the dogs died from the same accidental poisoning, it could suggest a tragic incident. However, if the causes vary, it could indicate more severe issues. Even if the deaths are deemed accidental, it doesn’t exempt the couple from responsibility. Oldoerp compared the situation to a parent neglecting a child’s safety, emphasizing that the trainer is still accountable for the animals’ well-being.
The couple reportedly attempted to destroy evidence by cremating the dogs. Sit, who operated under different business names including “Happy K9 Academy,” has been working throughout Southern California. Many dog owners whose pets died while in his care have taken to social media, calling for justice for their lost companions.
In a related incident, Aimee Gutierrez shared on Instagram about her family’s experience with a Belgian Malinois named Saint. They rescued the nine-month-old dog three weeks ago but received a text from the trainer saying Saint had passed away. Gutierrez expressed her heartbreak, stating that Saint deserved a better life filled with love and safety.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case or whose dog died while in Sit’s care to reach out to the police. The investigation continues as officials seek to ensure the safety and welfare of animals in the community.