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The claims circulating about Haitian immigrants eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio, continue to circulate and are entirely unfounded according to online factchecking service Allsides.
This rumour began on social media in late 2024 and gained traction when amplified by public figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who claimed the matter had been brought to his attention by constituents.
They referenced stories of pets being stolen and eaten by migrants in the area, but local authorities and Springfield city officials have confirmed that no credible reports support these allegations and there is no evidence that JD Vance ever tried to investigate the claims or initiate any measures.
Such allegations have been most upsetting for Haitian residents of Springfield, and in some cases schools have been closed because of threats.
https://www.voanews.com/a/haitian-migrants-in-ohio-feel-threatened-in-us-presidential-campaign/7792422.html
Springfield’s police department, the mayor, and even the Ohio governor have all denounced the rumours, labelling them as disinformation.
In fact, some confusion arose from unrelated incidents, such as a U.S.-born woman in Canton, Ohio, who was arrested for killing a cat, which was mistakenly linked to the Haitian community in Springfield.
Other unverified stories about immigrants hunting waterfowl such as geese and ducks were also debunked by local officials.
These baseless claims have not only caused unnecessary panic but also negatively impacted the Haitian community in Springfield. Local leaders have stressed the importance of stopping the spread of such misinformation, which has brought harm to the city’s reputation​.
Sources: VOA, Allsides.
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