Authorities in Springfield, Ohio, announced on Monday that they have not received any credible reports of Haitian immigrants abducting or harming pets, despite viral claims on social media that have gained traction through figures such as former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance.
The claims suggest that Haitian migrants are eating pets, including cats, ducks, and geese, and have reached millions of views on platforms like X, with Vance’s post alone receiving over 11 million views by Wednesday morning. Vance, who serves as Ohio’s Republican senator, commented on issues in Springfield, alleging that pets have been taken and harmed by migrants.
In a recent debate, Trump echoed these unverified claims, stating, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… the pets of the people that live there and this is what’s happening in our country.” When faced with pushback from ABC anchor David Muir regarding the validity of his statement, Trump insisted he had seen others discussing it on television.
Following the debate, the hashtag “THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS” gained popularity on social media, prompting numerous discussions about the unfounded allegations.
The House Judiciary GOP, along with Senator Ted Cruz and Elon Musk, also addressed the matter on social media, with Cruz sharing a meme in support of Trump that humorously suggested Haitian immigrants might threaten pets.
However, Springfield’s city spokesperson emphasized that there have been “no credible reports or specific claims” of harm to pets by migrants. Karen Graves, the strategic engagement manager for the city, asserted that the allegations of criminal activity involving the immigrant population were not supported by evidence.
While it’s unclear where these claims originated, the Springfield News-Sun indicated they may stem from a viral post in a local Facebook group. The post mentioned a lost cat that was reportedly found near a Haitian neighbor’s home, but its authenticity remains unverified.
Reports have surfaced of unrelated incidents shared on social media, including body camera footage of a woman accused of harming a cat in a different Ohio city, which does not involve any migrants. Additionally, a widely circulated photo of a Black man holding a goose, often cited as evidence of Haitian immigrants eating geese, has been shown to be taken out of context and is not related to Springfield.
There is no evidence from local officials or the Clark County Park District to suggest that any such incidents have occurred. The executive director of the park district stated they have received inquiries but possess no knowledge of pet or wildlife harm.
Social media has also seen the emergence of AI-generated images connected to the claims. One notable image depicted Trump playfully holding kittens with a misleading context.
Springfield, which has a population of nearly 58,000, has welcomed a significant number of migrants in recent years. Local officials estimate that around 12,000 to 15,000 migrants reside in Clark County, with a substantial number coming from Haiti. To assist these newcomers, the Haitian Community Help and Support Center was established in 2023.
In addition to countering rumors regarding pet safety, city officials have confirmed there are no verified instances of migrants engaging in disruptive or harmful behavior in the community.