Dog trainer and girlfriend face charges after 11 dogs die in their care

In June 2025, a disturbing incident in California involving a dog trainer and his girlfriend has drawn significant attention. Tingfeng Liu, aged 23, and his girlfriend, 53-year-old Sit, were arrested by police after it was revealed that eleven dogs died while in their care. Following the deaths, the couple allegedly attempted to conceal their actions by disposing of the dogs' bodies at different crematoriums, a decision that has led to serious legal consequences. Law enforcement began their investigation when a concerned pet owner reported that their dog had died and had been cremated without consent. This prompted officials to investigate the dog trainer's operations more closely, leading to the grim discovery of multiple dog corpses. The Irvine Police Department's Animal Services Unit conducted the investigation, recovering several dogs and performing necropsies on them to determine the cause of death. The necropsies revealed that two dogs died from heat stroke, while a third suffered blunt force trauma, raising severe concerns about the care provided to these animals. The couple was allegedly preparing to flee when they were apprehended on a Thursday, highlighting their awareness of the gravity of the situation. They now face felony charges, including animal cruelty and destruction of evidence, with both individuals currently in custody on a substantial bail amount. Sit reportedly operated under various business names throughout Southern California, including 'Happy K9 Academy.' However, disturbing details emerged that indicated a lack of proper facilities, as the website for this academy inaccurately listed a public park as its address. The public outcry over this case has brought attention to the broader issue of animal welfare and the necessity for stricter regulations in pet care services, as well as the need for greater scrutiny in the treatment of animals entrusted to trainers. As investigations continue, the cases of animal abuse and neglect are being reassessed, reflecting a growing demand for accountability in how such businesses operate.