Ohio Leaders Deny False Claims of Immigrants Eating Cats and Dogs

(US) – No Evidence to Support Claims of Haitian Immigrants Eating Pets in Ohio

Authorities in Springfield, Ohio, have refuted viral claims alleging that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets, a baseless accusation that gained significant attention after being amplified by former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance. Despite widespread social media posts, local officials have confirmed there is no credible evidence to support these claims.

The rumors, which began circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), suggest that Haitian immigrants in Springfield have been eating cats, ducks, and geese. JD Vance, the Republican senator for Ohio and vice presidential nominee, shared one of these claims, stating that immigrants were “causing chaos all over Springfield” and abducting pets. His post garnered over 11 million views by mid September.

During a televised debate, Trump echoed these unfounded allegations, claiming that people in Springfield were losing their pets to immigrants. He insisted that pets, including dogs and cats, were being eaten by Haitian migrants, even after being challenged by debate moderator David Muir, who pointed out that local authorities had denied these reports.

Social media discussions on the issue surged following Trump’s comments, leading to the hashtag “THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS” trending across various platforms. Posts and memes mocking the claim circulated widely, with some figures like Senator Ted Cruz and Elon Musk, the owner of X, contributing to the online conversation. Cruz shared a meme of two cats urging voters to support Trump to prevent Haitian immigrants from eating them, further spreading the falsehood.

However, Springfield officials have strongly denied the claims. Karen Graves, the city’s strategic engagement manager, stated that there have been no reports or specific allegations of pets being harmed by migrants. She emphasized that no evidence supports these rumors and reassured the public that the immigrant population in Springfield has not been involved in such activities.

Key Claims

City Officials’ Response

Immigrants eating pets (cats, dogs)

No credible reports or evidence

Immigrants squatting, littering, or disrupting traffic

No confirmed incidents

The origin of the rumor remains unclear, though it may have started with a viral post in a private Facebook group. The post reportedly described a cat found near a Haitian neighbor’s home, leading to speculation and unverified claims. This post, along with screenshots, spread quickly across social media, fueling the controversy. Despite its rapid dissemination, news outlets, including CBS News, have been unable to verify the post’s authenticity.

In another instance, a photo of a man holding a goose was misrepresented on social media as evidence of Haitian immigrants eating wildlife. However, CBS News confirmed that the photo was taken in Columbus, not Springfield, and the man involved was not connected to any of the claims about migrants. The photographer, who has received threats since the photo went viral, expressed regret for sharing it online, criticizing Vance and others for using the image to spread misinformation.

Leann Castillo, the executive director for the Clark County Park District, also dismissed the claims, stating that there has been no evidence of anyone eating pets or wildlife in the area. Local law enforcement and park officials have not received any reports of such incidents.

The spread of these unfounded rumors has drawn criticism, particularly from those concerned with the impact on the local immigrant community. An anonymous source, speaking to CBS News, voiced frustration with the way misinformation has painted Springfield in a negative light. “Instead of trying to build up his state, Vance is spreading fake stories for political gain,” the individual said.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, distanced himself from the claims. He acknowledged that while social media can fuel outrageous stories, he trusts the city officials in Springfield who have confirmed there is no truth to the allegations. DeWine also highlighted the contributions of Haitian migrants to the local economy, noting that they have filled essential jobs in Springfield.

Despite this, DeWine acknowledged challenges in integrating the growing migrant population into the community. With an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 migrants in Clark County, including over 10,000 from Haiti, there are concerns about access to healthcare and the need for improved driver’s training to ensure safe integration into U.S. roads.

Local officials and community members remain focused on addressing real issues affecting migrants in Springfield, while dismissing the baseless accusations as politically motivated distractions.