Trump falsely accuses immigrants in Ohio of abducting and eating pets: 'They’re eating dogs. They’re eating cats'; Kamala calls claims ‘extreme’

Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy with claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating pets. During a televised debate on Tuesday with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump echoed inflammatory rhetoric that has sparked outrage and confusion.
“There’s been talk that they’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said, referring to the town of Springfield, which has been at the center of these unsubstantiated claims.Despite the lack of evidence, Trump’s comments are part of a broader pattern of using anti-immigrant rhetoric to fuel fear and controversy.

Kamala's reaction to Trump's claims
Vice President Kamala Harris responded by labeling Trump’s remarks as “extreme” and laughed off his accusations. Debate moderators quickly highlighted that city officials have dismissed the claims as false.
Springfield city manager Bryan Heck's office reiterated that there are no credible reports of pets being harmed by the immigrant community. “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed,” Heck stated.

From where the rumors started?
The false narrative began on September 6 with a social media post that alleged Haitian immigrants in Springfield were involved in disturbing activities involving pets. The post, which included an image of a Black man carrying a Canada goose, was quickly shared and amplified by political figures including Ohio Senator JD Vance and other Republicans. Vance’s office acknowledged that the rumors might be false, but the misinformation had already spread widely.

Hours before the debate, Trump further fueled the controversy by posting provocative images on his social media platform, including one of himself surrounded by cats and geese, and another featuring armed cats in MAGA hats.
Official and community responses
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine declined to directly address the allegations, instead deferring to local officials. However, DeWine voiced support for Haitian immigrants, emphasizing his family's charitable work in Haiti.
In contrast, an unrelated incident in Canton, Ohio, has been erroneously linked to the Springfield rumors. Last month, Canton police charged Allexis Ferrell with animal cruelty after she was accused of torturing and killing a cat. Ferrell, however, is not Haitian and has a history of legal troubles unrelated to immigration.
Impact on Haitian communities
Advocates for Haitian immigrants, such as Guerline Jozef of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, have condemned the spread of false narratives, calling them dangerous and harmful. “We are always at the receiving end of all kinds of barbaric, inhumane narratives,” Jozef said. White House national security spokesman John Kirby echoed this concern, noting the potential for such misinformation to incite violence against innocent people.
Context of haitian immigration in the US
Springfield, with a population of around 60,000, has seen a rise in its Haitian community. Most Haitians in the area are legally residing under a federal program allowing temporary stay due to unsafe conditions in Haiti. The Biden administration recently extended temporary legal status to approximately 300,000 Haitians in the U.S. due to ongoing violence in their home country.