Irvine Dog Trainer, girlfriend face animal Cruelty Charges in Dog Deaths

​ ‌ Updated June 24, 2025

an Irvine, Calif., couple is facing ⁢animal⁤ cruelty charges after authorities discovered at least 11 dogs died while ⁣under ⁢their care. Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, 53, and Tingfeng Liu, 23, both face multiple felony counts related to animal cruelty and destruction of evidence, ⁣according to the Orange County ​District AttorneyS office.The role of Sit as‌ the dog trainer ‍is central to the case.

Irvine police ‍began investigating after a dog owner reported receiving a message from Sit stating their healthy dog had died in its sleep and had already been cremated. This prompted suspicion and led to the revelation⁢ of additional canine victims. The job role Sit held amplified the betrayal felt‌ by the dog owners.

“the one family reached out to⁤ us ⁤ [and] thought it was kind of suspicious that their ⁤healthy dog died with this trainer,” irvine ​police⁣ spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp said.

Investigators⁤ steadfast that two dogs died from heatstroke and another from blunt-force trauma. Two were cremated before a necropsy could be performed, though ​their remains were later recovered. Necropsies are pending for at least six more animals.

Authorities believe the couple began dropping off dogs for cremation June 13, with the total ‌number of deceased animals reaching 11​ by⁣ June 18.

“Our dogs love us unconditionally, and‌ to have someone who ⁤advertised himself as ⁤a dog lover ‌who would treat his clients’ dogs as his own be not only responsible for the deaths of thes pets but then to enlist ‌his ⁢girlfriend to‍ cover up the animal abuse is beyond repulsive,” Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd ⁢Spitzer said.

Sit, who operated K9 academy, ​faces 11 felony‍ counts of animal​ cruelty, 11⁣ felony counts of animal abuse by a⁣ caretaker, seven misdemeanor counts of‌ attempting to destroy evidence, and one ‌misdemeanor ⁤count of destroying evidence. Liu faces one felony count of ⁤accessory to a felony, one misdemeanor count ‌of destruction of ⁢evidence, and ‌two misdemeanor counts of attempted destruction of evidence. The role Liu ‍played in the alleged⁢ cover-up has also led to charges.

Bail was set ⁤at $550,000 each, an amount increased ⁢after prosecutors argued the couple was preparing to flee. If convicted on ⁤all⁤ charges, Sit faces a maximum ‌sentence of 13 years, while Liu⁣ could receive up ​to four years.

K9 Academy offered training programs ranging‍ from $999 to $3,999. Irvine police⁤ indicated there might potentially be additional victims, as Sit operated under various company⁤ names throughout Southern California.

What’s next

Anyone with information or whose dog died while in​ Sit’s care is asked to contact rsteen@cityofirvine.org.