A ruthless California pet trainer was convicted of killing 11 dogs after leaving them trapped for hours in a hot van before cremating their bodies to conceal the evidence.

Kwong 'Tony' Chun Sit, 54, who operated Happy K9 Academy in Orange County, was found guilty on June 17 on 11 felony counts of animal cruelty, along with multiple charges related to destroying evidence and obstructing the investigation.

His girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, 24, was convicted of one felony count of accessory to a felony, one misdemeanor count of destruction of evidence, and two misdemeanor counts of attempted destruction of evidence.

Authorities described the animals’ deaths from heatstroke as entirely preventable.

'The greatest fear dogs have is that you will never return when you leave them behind, and because of the unbelievably cruel actions of Mr. Sit and Miss Liu, that fear became a tragic reality for 11 dogs who will never have the chance to reunite with their families,' said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. 

The disturbing case has horrified animal lovers and left families grappling with the loss of beloved pets they wrongly believed were safe in the hands of a professional.

Sit, 54, operated Happy K9 Academy, which offered behavioral training services and overnight boarding. Prices for the services ranged from $999 to $3,399, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

The case first began to unravel when suspicious pet owners started questioning explanations they received about the sudden deaths of otherwise healthy animals.

Several owners were reportedly informed through text messages that their dogs had died unexpectedly and had already been cremated before family members had the opportunity to see the bodies, seek a necropsy, or ask questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

On June 18, 2025, one of the dog’s owners received a text message from Sit 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.'

For many owners, the explanations immediately raised red flags.

According to the dog's owner, the text also stated, '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.'

Other owners described being notified with a similar text containing identical descriptions of the deaths. For many owners, the explanations immediately raised red flags.

The Irvine Police Department began investigating the trainer's business practices after a dog’s owner promptly reported the incident to authorities.

Prosecutors said the dogs died after being left confined inside tiny crates in a van during dangerously hot conditions, causing them to suffer fatal heat-related injuries. 

According to investigators, rather than alerting owners or reporting the incident, Sit allegedly embarked on a calculated effort to hide what had happened, assisted by Lui.

As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered evidence suggesting that Sit had arranged for the animals’ remains to be transported to crematoriums throughout Southern California.

Prosecutors alleged that he impersonated pet owners when authorizing cremation services, allowing him to dispose of evidence before families could learn the truth.

Authorities were ultimately able to recover the remains of nine of the 11 dogs before they were cremated. However, two dogs had already been reduced to ashes by the time investigators intervened.

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

'These dogs did not die peacefully in their sleep,' O.C. Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman said in court. 

'These dogs did have signs of pain and struggle, unlike what Sit told the families, they suffered prior to their death,' she added.

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

Among the victims was Rosie, a sheepdog-poodle puppy whose death drew particular attention during the trial. 

Evidence presented in court showed Rosie suffered blunt-force trauma in addition to heat-related injuries, according to prosecutors.

The couple remained in custody on $550,000 bail since last June after prosecutors successfully argued a significant deviation from a lower bail amount after the couple was found packed and ready to flee when they were arrested.

Sit now faces a potential prison sentence of nearly 14 years, while Liu could receive up to four years behind bars.

They were ordered to surrender their passports, not have access to any animals and to stay away from the victims’ families.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, blasted the couple for their heinous actions, saying: 'There is a special place in hell for someone who abuses animals, and there is an extra special place in hell for someone who could beat a puppy to death and then feign being heartbroken over her death, knowing full well that he is the reason that puppy died such a horrific death.'

Sentencing is expected at a later date.