Dog recovering after being set on fire at homeless encampment in Los Angeles
(KTLA) -- Animal advocates say they’re seeing a disturbing increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire at homeless encampments across Los Angeles.
About two weeks ago, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix named Luke was set on fire in south L.A..
"It was intentional,” said Sandra Viveros with Compton Paw Patrol, a nonprofit dog rescue group. “It was done by the homeless people at the encampment. They set him on fire and he took off running [away from the encampment]. He went to some nearby homes, and he’s a smart boy, so I’m assuming he was asking for help.”
Luke was eventually taken to the hospital for treatment by a good Samaritan. He was found with burns covering almost his entire body and had remained in intensive care.
"He had third- and fourth-degree burns,” Viveros told KTLA's Sandra Mitchell. “He was also suffering from smoke inhalation."
Victoriah Parker, cofounder of Starts with One Today, an animal rescue nonprofit, said that although the issue is a known one, over the past several weeks, they’ve seen a sharp increase in reports and calls for help about animal abuse.
Some dogs have been found tortured, tied up and even stuffed in suitcases and trash bags.
"Unfortunately, it's not a shocker to us,” Parker said..
Parker’s organization has been working to help dogs on Skid Row and across the Southland for years. She said the number of dogs living in deplorable conditions and exposed to dangerous drugs on the streets is becoming an epidemic in L.A.
“A homeless encampment is not a place for dogs,” Parker said. “We’re not talking specifically about an individual who’s down on their luck and still wants to keep their pet. We’re talking about homeless encampments where crime and drugs are the center of their encampment. That's really what the problem is.”
She reached out to city officials about the recent increase in abuse reports, but said she’s received little response.
Although no suspect has been arrested in connection with Luke’s case, his caretakers at Compton Paw Patrol said they’re thankful he’s healing and regaining his strength every day.
Viveros said Luke is one of the lucky ones who, unlike other abused animals at encampments, will survive and eventually find his forever family.
“He’ll be able to live a very happy life,” Viveros said. “He just needs to heal. He might have some scars from the burns, but he'll be okay. He's strong."
Luke will remain in recovery for about six more weeks before he will be eligible for adoption. A GoFundMe page to help with medical costs for Luke’s recovery can be found here.
More information about Luke and other dogs searching for their forever homes can be found here.