Trump-Harris debate: Is it true that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are abducting and eating pets?

Former US President Donald Trump has ignited quite a lot of controversy by claiming that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating pets. “There has been talks that they are eating the dogs. They are eating the cats,” he said last night.

During a televised debate on Tuesday involving vice president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, the Republican candidate reiterated the unverified claims, sparking intense outrage and confusion on social media.

Harris responded by labelling Trump’s controversial statement as “extreme” and laughed off his accusations. Debate moderators also highlighted that Springfield officials had dismissed the claims as false, according to a report in the Times of India.

Misinformation could incite violence against innocent people

The rumours about Haitian immigrants in Ohio eating pets started on September 6 as a social media post alleged the migrant community’s involvement in disturbing animal cruelty acts. The post included an image of a Black man carrying a Canada goose.

The Governor of Ohio has voiced support for Haitian immigrants. In fact, advocates for the community have condemned the spread of rumours, calling them dangerous and harmful as they could incite violence against innocent people.

Springfield, home to around 60,000 people, has seen a rise in its Haitian population. Most Haitians in the area are legally residing under a program permitting temporary stay due to unsafe conditions in their home country.