by Los Angeles, California – A 1-year-old shepherd mix named Luke is recovering in intensive care after being set on fire at a homeless encampment in South Los Angeles, shedding light on what animal advocates describe as a disturbing rise in animal abuse cases across the city’s homeless communities.
Dog Set on Fire at South L.A. Encampment
The shocking incident occurred about two weeks ago near Florence Avenue, where witnesses say individuals living at a homeless encampment intentionally set the dog on fire.
“It was intentional,” said Sandra Viveros, founder of Compton Paw Patrol, a local nonprofit dog rescue. “It was done by the homeless people at the encampment. They set him on fire and he took off running. He went to nearby homes — I think he was asking for help.”
A good Samaritan eventually found the injured dog and rushed him to an emergency veterinary hospital. Rescuers said Luke suffered third- and fourth-degree burns across most of his body and was also treated for smoke inhalation.
“He’s been in intensive care since that night,” Viveros told KTLA. “His burns were severe, but he’s fighting to survive.”
Rise in Animal Abuse at Encampments
Advocates say Luke’s case is part of a troubling pattern. Animal rescue groups in Los Angeles report a sharp increase in cases of dogs being tortured, burned, tied up, or left in suitcases and trash bags — many traced back to homeless encampments where drug use and violence are common.
Victoriah Parker, co-founder of Starts With One Today, an animal welfare organization, said the issue has worsened in recent weeks.
“Unfortunately, it’s not a shocker to us,” Parker said. “We’re not talking about someone down on their luck who loves their pet. We’re talking about encampments where crime and drugs are at the center. That’s really where the danger lies — for people and animals alike.”
Parker added that her group has reached out to city officials for help, but has received little to no response, even as reports of abuse continue to rise.
A Long Road to Recovery
Despite his severe injuries, Luke is slowly healing. He remains under round-the-clock care and will need at least six more weeks of recovery before he’s ready for adoption.
“He’s one of the lucky ones,” Viveros said. “So many others don’t make it. But Luke — he’s strong. He’ll have scars, but he’s going to live a happy life.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover Luke’s extensive medical costs. Donations have poured in from across the country as animal lovers rally behind his story of survival.
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Call for Action
Both Parker and Viveros are calling on Los Angeles city leaders to take immediate steps to protect animals trapped in unsafe encampment environments and to expand access to rescue and shelter resources.
“A homeless encampment is not a place for dogs,” Parker said. “We have to do better for them — they didn’t choose this life.”
Luke’s story, though heartbreaking, has become a rallying cry for rescuers demanding stronger enforcement and oversight.
What do you think the city should do to stop animal cruelty in encampments? Share your thoughts in the comments on mikeandjonpodcast.com.
