(KTLA) — Animal welfare organizations are raising alarms over a worrying rise in cases of dogs being mistreated, neglected, and even set on fire within homeless encampments throughout Los Angeles.

Just a fortnight ago, a young Shepherd mix named Luke became a victim of such cruelty in South L.A.

“It was a deliberate act,” explained Sandra Viveros from Compton Paw Patrol, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs. “Individuals at the encampment set him ablaze. Luke, showing his intelligence and desperation, dashed away and sought refuge at nearby residences, likely in search of aid.”

Thanks to the kindness of a passerby, Luke was transported to a medical facility for urgent care. He arrived with severe burns over much of his body and was immediately placed in intensive care.

“The burns were third- and fourth-degree,” Viveros shared with KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “In addition to the burns, he was also suffering from smoke inhalation.”