(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. • Luke, a 1-year-old Shepherd mix, is recovering after

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