In recent days, viral misinformation claiming Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating pets has spread across social media, amplified by high-profile figures like former President Donald Trump and JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee. Despite these assertions, local officials have confirmed there is no evidence to support the allegations.
Vance’s post on X (formerly Twitter), which claimed Haitian migrants were “causing chaos” in Springfield and abducting pets, gained over 11 million views. Trump repeated the false claim during a debate, stating, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… they’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” sparking the hashtag #THEYREEATINGTHEDOGS on social media.
These claims originated from a private Facebook group post alleging a local resident’s cat was found hanging near a Haitian neighbor’s home. This unverified story, along with unrelated footage of a woman in Canton, Ohio, accused of killing and eating a cat, further fueled the rumors. Neither incident involved migrants, yet the narrative persisted, spurred by politically charged memes and social media discussions.
City officials, including Springfield spokesperson Karen Graves, have firmly denied any reports of pets being harmed by immigrants. Leann Castillo, director of the Clark County Park District, confirmed no evidence of pets or wildlife being eaten in local parks.
With an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 migrants in Clark County, mostly from Haiti, local organizations like the Haitian Community Help and Support Center aim to assist the growing population. Despite the baseless nature of the rumors, the spread of misinformation has highlighted the dangers of viral, politically motivated narratives that can distort public perception.
