IRVINE, CALIFORNIA — A California dog trainer has been arrested after the deaths of 11 dogs under his care. The trainer, Kwong Chun Sit, faces serious charges of animal cruelty and evidence destruction. Authorities say the deaths were caused by neglect and abuse, leaving the community in shock.
What Happened?
The troubling story began when a dog owner was told by Kwong Chun Sit that their pet had died in its sleep and been cremated. This led the concerned owner to contact the police, and an investigation soon revealed that 11 dogs had died under Sit’s care, many due to abusive treatment.
After looking into Sit’s training practices, investigators learned that nine dogs died in just a few days, between June 18, 2025, and June 19, 2025. One had passed earlier, on June 13. Necropsies performed on three of the dogs revealed that two died from heat stroke, and one suffered from blunt force trauma.
The Charges: Serious Consequences Ahead
Sit is facing 30 felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- 11 felony counts of animal cruelty
- 11 felony counts of animal abuse by a caretaker
- Several counts of destroying evidence
If convicted, Sit could spend up to 13 years in prison. His girlfriend, Tingfeng Liu, also faces charges, including accessory to a felony and destruction of evidence.
What’s the Impact?
The deaths of these dogs have sparked outrage in the local community. Many are calling for stricter regulation of dog trainers to prevent such abuse. Animal rights groups are pushing for more oversight of training facilities and more accountability for trainers who care for pets.
“This is a clear case of neglect and cruelty,” said a spokesperson for the local animal welfare group. “The pets entrusted to Sit’s care suffered unnecessarily, and we need to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Background on the Trainer
Kwong Chun Sit, who ran a popular dog training business in Irvine, had built a reputation over the years. However, authorities revealed that there had been prior complaints about his training methods and the conditions at his facility. These complaints had reportedly gone unnoticed until the tragic deaths of the 11 dogs came to light.
The trainer’s history, coupled with the disturbing discovery of the dogs’ deaths, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing regulatory measures for animal trainers and pet care providers.
What’s Next?
Sit is currently being held at Orange County Jail, awaiting his court appearance. The case has drawn widespread attention, and authorities are urging anyone who may have used Sit’s services to come forward.
With animal welfare groups pushing for stricter laws, this case may be a turning point for the way dog training is regulated in California.
What Do You Think?
What actions do you believe should be taken to prevent cases like this from happening again? Share your thoughts on this case and your experiences with dog trainers in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
