Recent allegations claiming that immigrants are eating pets have been vehemently denied by police in Dayton, Ohio, who have labeled these online accusations as “irresponsible” and lacking any evidence. This denial comes in response to a video and article circulating online, alleging that African immigrants in Dayton were observed preparing to grill dead cats. These claims were amplified by prominent figures such as Senator JD Vance and Donald Trump Jr. on X (formerly Twitter).
Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal issued a strong statement refuting these claims, emphasizing solidarity with the immigrant community. “We stand by our immigrant community and there is no evidence to even remotely suggest that any group, including our immigrant community, is engaged in eating pets,” Chief Afzal stated. He further expressed his disappointment at politicians and individuals using “outlandish information” for political gain.
This new wave of accusations follows similar unfounded allegations previously made against Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, a city located less than 30 miles from Dayton. Former President Donald Trump reiterated these Springfield pet-eating comments during a recent debate, despite clear denials from city officials who confirmed no evidence to support such claims.
Senator Vance has doubled down on these controversial claims, even after initial debunking. Sharing the new Dayton allegation on X, Vance stated, “Kamala Harris and her media apparatchiks should be ashamed of themselves. Another ‘debunked’ story that turned out to have merit.” However, this assertion directly contradicts the official statements from Dayton law enforcement.
The spread of these false narratives has had tangible negative consequences. Following Trump’s initial Springfield pet-eating comments, the Springfield area has experienced a series of bomb threats targeting schools and hospitals. Wittenberg University in Springfield even announced heightened security measures due to an on-campus shooting threat specifically targeting Haitian members of their community. The FBI has confirmed its involvement, working with local authorities to assess the credibility of these threats and take necessary investigative actions.
The latest claim originated from a Substack post by conservative writer Christopher Rufo, based on a video initially posted on social media in August 2023. The video, filmed by a Dayton resident, shows what appear to be animal carcasses on a grill. The person filming alleges, without providing any proof, that these are cats. In the video, he makes light of the situation as two cats approach the grill, joking about them potentially becoming the next meal.
Rufo claims to have spoken with the video creator, who maintains his belief that the carcasses are cats. IM-1776, an online magazine, reportedly collaborated with Rufo on this story, with a reporter visiting the location and speaking to neighbors. These neighbors reportedly suggested that African immigrants resided in the building and were believed to be associated with the grill, although no verification of the residents’ origins or identities has been independently confirmed.
The new allegations have been met with widespread skepticism and criticism. Many online users have pointed out that the carcasses in the video more closely resemble chickens than cats. CBS News consulted with veterinary experts to analyze the video. One expert stated that the video quality was insufficient for definitive identification. Another vet, while also noting the poor video quality, suggested that the limbs appeared “weirdly distended” and unlikely to be feline.
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. has also released a public statement denouncing the claims as “totally false and dangerously irresponsible,” particularly criticizing politicians for using such misinformation to incite division and fear. Mayor Mims confirmed that there have been “absolutely zero reports of this type of activity” within Dayton.
In conclusion, the claims of Immigrants Eating Pets in both Springfield and Dayton, Ohio, remain entirely unsubstantiated and have been actively refuted by local authorities and experts. These baseless allegations, amplified by political figures, are not only false but also contribute to a climate of fear and prejudice against immigrant communities, as evidenced by the serious threats that have followed the spread of this misinformation. It is crucial to rely on verified information from credible sources and to critically evaluate claims, especially those that promote harmful stereotypes and division.
