Tragedy struck a Washington, D.C. dog daycare as heavy rainfall led to a sudden flash flood that took the lives of 10 dogs. The owner of District Dogs, Jacob Hensley, had raised concerns about potential flooding months before the disaster.
In an April tweet, he alerted city authorities to flooding issues, but his warning seemingly went unheeded.
Hensley’s tweet addressed flooding problems on Rhode Island Ave, noting that even minimal rainfall was causing concerns due to backed-up stormwater drains. Sadly, his apprehensions came true when heavy rains triggered flash floods across the city.
The flooding was particularly devastating for District Dogs, where 10 dogs lost their lives.
The daycare’s statement expressed deep sorrow for the loss and praised the heroic efforts of staff and first responders who worked to save as many animals as possible despite the perilous situation.
Samantha Miller from the Humane Rescue Alliance confirmed the tragic toll, offering condolences to the families affected by the flooding. D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly described the loss as akin to losing a family member, highlighting the emotional impact of the tragedy.
Heart-wrenching visuals captured the extent of the flooding, with videos showing submerged streets near the daycare and a partially submerged car. The incident sheds light on the importance of addressing flood concerns promptly and effectively to prevent such devastating outcomes.
