Justice for Saint: 10 Dogs Dead in California Trainer Horror Case

A Grim Discovery in Southern California

Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit, a 53-year-old dog trainer from Irvine, California, was arrested on Thursday night along with his 23-year-old girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, after authorities connected them to the deaths of at least 10 dogs. The case began when a pet owner contacted police with concerns about their healthy dog’s sudden death while in Sit’s care. According to police, Sit told the family the dog had died in its sleep and had already been cremated.

That call triggered a wider investigation by Irvine’s Animal Services Unit, which quickly uncovered a much more horrifying truth: nine additional dogs had died on or around the same day.

Police say the couple allegedly rushed to cremate the bodies to cover their tracks, delivering them to multiple crematoriums. Investigators believe they have now recovered the remains of all the dogs.

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What Happened to the Dogs?

Necropsies are currently being conducted by veterinary experts to determine the exact causes of death. Authorities say there are two possibilities: a tragic accident, such as poisoning, or something even more sinister.

“If they all died of the same thing, like accidental poisoning, it could point to negligence,” explained Irvine PD spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp. “But if the causes are different, that could lead us in a very different direction.”

Either way, Oldoerp said, Sit remains legally responsible. “Even if it’s not malicious, it’s like leaving a child in a hot car. You’re still responsible.”

The case could set a precedent for animal welfare in California, as authorities also investigate whether the couple deliberately attempted to destroy evidence by cremating the dogs.

Who Is Kwong “Tony” Chun Sit?

Sit has reportedly operated across Southern California under various names, including "Happy K9 Academy." Since the arrests, angry dog owners have come forward on social media to share their own stories of loss.

One of them is Aimee Gutierrez, who recently adopted a 9-month-old Belgian Malinois named Saint from a shelter. Just three weeks after rescuing the young dog, the family sent her to Sit for training. They later received a chilling message: Saint had died.

“She was supposed to come home to a life of love, safety and second chances,” Gutierrez posted on Instagram. “I will never stop fighting for her — and for the other animals whose voices were taken away too soon.”

Call for Justice and Accountability

Authorities believe more victims may be out there. Anyone whose pet died under Sit’s care, or who has relevant information, is urged to contact the Irvine Police Department at rsteen@cityofirvine.org.

While the investigation continues, the case has sent shockwaves through California’s pet community. Social media has erupted in support of the grieving families, with hashtags like #JusticeForSaint and #StopAnimalAbuse spreading rapidly.

The question everyone is asking: How could this happen—and how can we ensure it never happens again?