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

EDITOR’S NOTE

Small crates crematories and an unusual – This story contains graphic depictions of animal mistreatment. The incident unfolded in Southern California, where a small dog named Miko, barely over a year old, had already developed the physique of an adult. His stature was such that his nose could touch a treat bag on a person’s waist, and his once-large paws now aligned with his heritage as a big-breed shepherd mix. In June 2025, Miko’s owner, Alexander Kostyukevich, sought training for the young canine from a trainer he discovered on Instagram. The decision to entrust Miko to Happy K9 Academy came after a positive session with Tony, Kwong Chun Sit, who had previously trained the owner’s own dog. However, just days after leaving Miko in Sit’s care, Kostyukevich received a text message that would shake the foundation of his trust in the trainer.

The Initial Shock and a Heartfelt Apology

The message was both unexpected and emotional: “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.” The text, sent by Sit, claimed the dog had died in his sleep, with the body cremated and ashes preserved for the owner. Yet, the brevity of the message and its comforting tone masked the grim reality. Kostyukevich, who had previously praised the academy’s services, now faced the horrifying truth that Miko was not just unwell but dead.

“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.”

The message, though seemingly empathetic, raised questions about Sit’s true intentions. Kostyukevich, according to a court document, called Sit for clarification, suspecting the dog had been sold. Sit, however, dismissed his concerns and hung up, prompting Kostyukevich to report the incident to Irvine police. The trainer’s reputation, bolstered by over 40 five-star Google reviews from clients like “couldn’t be happier” or “truly cares for the dogs he trains,” had been built on his apparent dedication. Yet, the text message suggested a hidden motive.

Uncovering the Truth Through Crematories

Animal services officer Casey Pickett initiated the investigation, contacting Sit to learn about Miko’s death. Her inquiry revealed another tragedy: Ziggy, a dog in Sit’s care, had also died. The bodies had been transported to Mobile Pet Cremations, where the service paused cremation upon hearing from law enforcement. But the discovery didn’t end there. A crematory employee informed Pickett that Sit had sent a third dog just a week prior, and they had also received two more from another pet disposal firm. This brought the total to five dogs with confirmed deaths.

As the investigation deepened, Pickett visited Sit’s Orange County suburb home, where he claimed only two dogs had died during the night. Sit described the event as “just so sad,” but the officer’s questions uncovered inconsistencies. By the time the inquiry reached its peak, the number of deceased dogs had surged to nearly a dozen, with Sit and Liu implicated in their demise. The couple’s actions, spanning from training sessions to cremation services, had created a trail of evidence that led to their conviction.

The Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Last week, Sit and Liu were formally convicted of animal cruelty charges. Sit faced multiple counts of felony offenses, while Liu was charged for her role in overseeing the cremation process. Prosecutors from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleged that Sit had confined the dogs in small crates within a hot cargo van, where they succumbed to heatstroke. The van, described as emitting a strong odor of bleach and feces, became a critical piece of evidence in the case. The couple is set to face sentencing on July 10, with Sit potentially receiving up to 14 years in prison and Liu facing a maximum of four years.

The trial brief highlighted how the investigation unfolded, revealing Sit’s deliberate concealment of the dogs’ deaths. Kostyukevich’s account, presented in court documents, detailed his growing suspicion after Sit’s initial explanation. The officer’s persistence in following up on the matter led to the unearthing of a broader pattern of neglect and abuse. The case underscored the contrast between the trainer’s public image and the reality of his actions.

The Aftermath and Emotional Toll

For the families, the outcome was a mix of justice and grief. While the convictions confirmed the trainer’s guilt, they still grappled with the loss of their cherished pets. The last traces of these dogs’ lives lingered online, preserved in training videos that once showcased their happiness and obedience. On YouTube, footage of friendly canines, both large and small, with playful expressions, now served as a haunting reminder of their fate. These videos, sent to affected families, depicted the dogs under the care of a man who had been their supposed guardian.

The incident also sparked conversations about pet training services and the importance of transparency. Sit’s academy, once a trusted name in the community, had become synonymous with cruelty. The emotional toll on Kostyukevich, who had left Miko in the trainer’s hands with confidence, was profound. The text message, while well-worded, failed to convey the anguish of the families who had to accept the reality of their dogs’ deaths without explanation or closure.

Context and Implications

Sit’s story was one of calculated deception. The small crates, which had once symbolized care, became instruments of suffering. The cargo van, where the dogs were left to perish, was a stark example of neglect. Investigators connected the dots between Sit’s claims of peaceful passing and the physical evidence of heatstroke and suffocation. Liu’s involvement, though less visible, was crucial in facilitating the disposal of the bodies, ensuring the trail of death was concealed. The case highlighted how cruelty can be disguised as compassion, leaving victims to navigate both legal and emotional challenges.

The conviction of Sit and Liu marked a significant moment for animal welfare in Orange County. It served as a warning to others in the pet industry about the consequences of neglect. For Kostyukevich, the loss of Miko was a personal tragedy, but it also became a catalyst for advocacy. The families, now united in their grief, sought to ensure that such cruelty would not be repeated. As the sentencing date approaches, the focus remains on holding Sit and Liu accountable for their actions and providing some measure of justice to the dogs who had been left to suffer in silence.

The broader implications of the case extend beyond the courtroom. It has prompted discussions about the oversight of pet training services and the need for stricter regulations. The emotional impact on the community is palpable, with many questioning how a trainer with such a positive reputation could orchestrate such a series of deaths. The story of Miko and the other dogs is a reminder of the fragility of trust and the importance of vigilance in protecting our animal companions.