Small crates, crematories and an unusual text: How authorities found a dog trainer was responsible for the deaths of 11 dogs

Small Crates, Crematories and a Mysterious Text: The Story Behind 11 Dog Deaths

Small crates crematories and an unusual – When Alexander Kostyukevich received a text message on June 18, 2025, he expected an update on his dog Miko’s training. Instead, the message revealed a devastating truth: the young shepherd mix had passed away peacefully during the night while resting. The message, which began with a sorrowful apology, described Miko’s body as “lovingly cremated” and promised to keep the ashes safe for the owner. But the sentiment masked a darker reality, one that would soon expose a network of cruelty hidden behind a reputable dog training business.

“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. 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.”

A Tragic Beginning

Miko, just over a year old, had already developed the physique of an adult shepherd mix. His paws, once oversized, now fit his large-breed frame, and his nose could reach a treat bag on someone’s waist. Kostyukevich had chosen Happy K9 Academy after a positive experience with Tony Sit, also known as Kwong Chun Sit, who trained Miko’s owner, Kwong Chun Sit, known as Tony. The training session left Kostyukevich impressed, and he entrusted his dog to Sit’s care. But within days, the owner’s faith was shattered.

The Investigation Unfolds

Casey Pickett, an animal services officer with the Irvine Police Department, took the lead in uncovering the truth. Her investigation started after Kostyukevich called authorities, citing concerns that Sit had sold Miko. Pickett’s first step was to contact Sit directly, who claimed the dog had died in his sleep. However, her inquiry quickly led to a broader pattern of neglect. Sit admitted that another dog, Ziggy, had also died under similar circumstances, though he downplayed the severity.

Through the crematory service Mobile Pet Cremations, Pickett discovered that the two dogs had been picked up and cremated. The company had paused the process upon learning of the deaths, but the employee confirmed that more dogs were involved. “Not only did they have Miko and Ziggy, but they had also picked up another dog from Sit just the week before,” the employee said. This revelation led to the discovery of additional dogs, ultimately totaling 11. The list of names included a mix of breeds, all of whom had been in Sit’s care and later sent to disposal services.

The Unraveling of a Business

As the investigation deepened, evidence pointed to a systematic approach to animal cruelty. Prosecutors from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleged that Sit had kept dogs in small crates in the back of a hot van, where they succumbed to heatstroke. The van, described as smelling of bleach and feces, became a symbol of the conditions the animals endured. Sit, 54, and his girlfriend Tingfeng Liu, 24, were charged with multiple felony counts of animal cruelty, with Liu facing several lesser charges for her role in handling the cremations.

The couple’s business had thrived on glowing reviews, with over 40 five-star Google ratings over six years. Clients praised Sit’s “unmatched care” and “reliable service,” comments that now seemed eerily ironic. “He never disappoints,” one review stated. “Couldn’t be happier with the results,” another noted. Yet these testimonials contrasted sharply with the fate of the dogs, whose deaths had been meticulously concealed.

The Trial Brief and Evidence

A trial brief outlined the key points of the case, revealing Kostyukevich’s initial suspicion that Sit had sold Miko. The document detailed how Sit had allegedly placed the dogs in the van overnight, allowing them to die of heatstroke before pretending to be their owners to secure cremation services. The evidence against Sit included testimonies from the crematory employee, who described the process as “routine” but noted the unusual number of bodies being handled. “They’d spoken to another pet cremation business and discovered Sit had dropped off another two dogs there,” the employee explained. This led to the confirmation of five dogs as victims, but the investigation revealed even more.

The Sentence and the Aftermath

Last week, the couple was found guilty, marking the culmination of a disturbing case. Sit faces up to nearly 14 years in prison for his role in the deaths, while Liu could receive up to four years. The sentencing, scheduled for July 10, will determine the extent of their punishment. For the families of the dogs, however, the verdict offers little solace. They must now grapple with the loss of their pets and the reality that their trust had been betrayed.

The final remnants of these animals’ lives remain online in training videos featured on Happy K9 Academy’s Instagram page. The videos depict friendly, obedient dogs interacting with Sit, their expressions mimicking smiles as they follow his commands. These cheerful images stand in stark contrast to the grim fate that awaited many of the same dogs. For Kostyukevich, the videos serve as a haunting reminder of the man he believed to be a caretaker. “It’s like watching them live and die in the same space,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the discovery.

A Community in Shock

As news of the case spread, the local community in Irvine expressed outrage. Pet owners who had used Sit’s services were left questioning how such a trusted figure could cause so much suffering. “I thought we were safe with him,” said one client, who had adopted a puppy through Sit’s recommendations. The case has sparked calls for stricter regulations on pet training businesses, with advocates urging more frequent inspections and transparency in animal care practices.

Despite the conviction, the impact of the dogs’ deaths lingers. For families who had lost their pets, the journey from joy to grief has been deeply personal. The ashes of Miko, once a symbol of hope, now represent a painful chapter in their lives. As the trial brief noted, the emotional weight of the situation extends beyond the courtroom, affecting the community and reshaping perceptions of animal care in the region.

With the sentence approaching, the focus remains on accountability. Sit and Liu will be judged not only for their actions but also for the lives they took. Their story, now etched in the records of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance in the world of pet training. For the families, the hope is that justice will provide some closure, even as they continue to live with the memory of their beloved pets and the mystery of how they met their end.