(KTLA) – Animal rights advocates say they are seeing an alarming increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles.
About two weeks ago, a 1-year-old shepherd mix named Luke was set on fire in South Los Angeles.
“It was intentional,” Sandra Viveros said. compton paw patrol, Nonprofit dog rescue group. “The homeless people in the camp did it. They set him on fire and then he ran away [away from the encampment]. “He went to some nearby houses, and he’s a smart lad, so I assume 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 remained in intensive care.
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Luke, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, is recovering after someone set him on fire at a homeless camp in Los Angeles. (Compton’s Paw Patrol) -
Luke was found with third and fourth degree burns all over his body and was suffering from smoke inhalation. (Compton’s Paw Patrol) -
Luke, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, is recovering after someone set him on fire at a homeless camp in Los Angeles. (Compton’s Paw Patrol) -
Luke, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, is recovering after someone set him on fire at a homeless camp in Los Angeles. (Compton’s Paw Patrol) -
Animal advocates say they are seeing an alarming increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles. (blocks) -
Animal advocates say they are seeing an alarming increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles. (blocks) -
Animal advocates say they are seeing an alarming increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles. (blocks) -
Animal advocates say they are seeing an alarming increase in dogs being abused, neglected and even set on fire in homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles. (blocks) -
Luke was found with third and fourth degree burns all over his body and was suffering from smoke inhalation. (Compton’s Paw Patrol)
“He had third- and fourth-degree burns,” Viveros told KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “He was also suffering from smoke inhalation.”
Victoria Parker, co-founder Starts with one today, The animal rescue nonprofit said that while the problem is well-known, over the past few weeks it has seen a sharp increase in reports and calls for help about animal abuse.
Some dogs were found tortured, tied up and even stuffed into suitcases and garbage bags.
“Unfortunately, this is not a shock to us,” Parker said.
Parker’s organization has been helping dogs on Skid Row and across the Southland for years. She said the number of dogs living in deplorable conditions and being exposed to dangerous street drugs has become an epidemic in Los Angeles.
“A homeless camp is no place for dogs,” Parker said. “We’re not specifically talking about an individual who’s down on their luck and still wants to keep their pet. We’re talking about homeless camps where crime and drugs are the center of their camps. That’s really the problem.”
She reached out to city officials about the recent increase in reports of abuse, but said she received little response.
Although no suspects have been arrested in connection with Luke’s case, his caregivers in… Compton’s Paw Patrol They said they are grateful that he is healing and regaining his strength every day.
Viveros said Luke is one of the lucky ones who, unlike other animals abused in the camps, will survive and eventually find his forever family.
“He will be able to live a very happy life,” Viveiros said. “He just needs to heal. He may have some scars from the burns, but he’ll be fine. He’s strong.”
Luke will remain in recovery for approximately six more weeks before he is eligible for adoption. GoFundMe page to help with medical costs Luke’s recovery can be found here.
More information about Luke and other dogs looking for their forever homes It can be found here.