Dogs burned, mutilated, stuffed in trash bags Los Angeles, animal rescuers say

The Brief

WARNING: This report contains graphic and upsetting details. Viewer discretion is highly advised.

LOS ANGELES – It’s a disturbing pattern that animal rescuers say has reached a crisis point across Los Angeles.

From South L.A. to Skid Row to Hollywood, activists are finding dogs that have been burned, mutilated, or stuffed into trash bags and suitcases at or near homeless encampments.

"We’ve seen a lot of complete horror recently," one rescuer said as photos of the victims show graphic and heartbreaking scenes, most too disturbing to share without heavy blurring.

Sandra Viveros, of Compton Paw Patrol, and fellow rescuer Sarah Watrous say they discovered one of the most shocking cases on Halloween near 51st and Flower in South L.A. They say the dog, now named Luke, had been i