A dog trainer, Kwong "Tony" Chun Sit, owner of Happy K9 Academy in Irvine, California, has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in state prison after 11 dogs died while under his care.

The deaths occurred when 11 dogs were left in small crates inside a hot van while under his care during his training program. Sit was convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty and evidence destruction after prosecutors said he attempted to conceal the dogs' deaths by misleading pet owners and arranging for the animals to be cremated.

Sit's assistant was also sentenced to prison for helping cover up the crime. Authorities said the case underscores the serious legal consequences of animal neglect and the responsibility of those entrusted with the care of pets.

nbcnews.com