There is no evidence Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing, eating pets

The town of Springfield, Ohio, has recently been at the center of the immigration debate, with high-profile Republican social media accounts like Donald Trump’s campaign and vice presidential candidate JD Vance claiming Haitian immigrants have caused disruptions in the city and committed illegal acts, including harming and eating animals. 

A press release from Donald Trump’s campaign claims “migrants have reportedly been caught 'decapitating ducks' and hunting geese and other livestock in public parks — and even kidnapping residents’ pets — then eating them.” 

“Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country,” Vance’s post reads. 

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz shared a meme of cats hugging with text on top of the image that says, “Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants don’t eat us.” 

VERIFY readers James and John reached out to ask what’s happening in Springfield, Ohio. Here is what we can VERIFY. 

THE SOURCES

WHAT WE FOUND

There is no evidence to support the viral claims that members of the Haitian immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, have harmed or eaten wildlife or pets, according to city officials.

“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,” Karen Graves, a spokesperson with the City of Springfield told VERIFY. 

“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents’ homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” Graves said. 

Leann Castillo, the executive director for the Clark County Park District, told The New York Times that they “have absolutely no evidence of this happening.” Castillo added that the claim has spread for months and that “random people will call and ask” about it.

According to the City of Springfield’s website, there are 12,000 to 15,000 Haitian immigrants legally working and residing in Clark County, Ohio, where Springfield is located. The city says it has seen an increase in immigrants traveling to Springfield to be closer to friends and family of the current residents. 

“Now that there are numerous immigrant families residing in our community, word of mouth is adding to our population, as this communal culture is sharing their positive experiences about living in our community with family and friends who are also seeking to leave the impoverished and dangerous living conditions of their home country,” the website says. 

The city website also says the rapid population increase has strained local government services and put pressure on public safety, health care, housing, and education resources.

VERIFY was unable to confirm when unfounded claims about migrants killing pets in Springfield started. 

Deputy Director of Public Safety and Operations, Jason Via told NPR:  "We get these reports 'the Haitians are killing ducks in a lot of our parks' or 'the Haitians are eating vegetables right out of the aisle at the grocery store'. And we haven't really seen any of that. It's really frustrating. As a community, it's not helpful as we try to move forward."

On Aug. 27, Springfield resident Anthony Harris, who described himself as a social media influencer, spoke during the public comment section of the meeting. A recording of the meeting was posted to YouTube, and Harris begins speaking at the 1:10:00 mark.

“I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something. These Haitians are running into trash cans. They’re running into buildings … They’re flipping cars in the middle of the street … They’re in the park grabbing up ducks by their neck and cutting their head off, off with them, and eating them,” Harris tells the commission. 

Harris didn’t provide evidence of his claims. VERIFY reached out for comment but did not hear back at the time of publication. 

So, we can VERIFY there is no evidence to support claims that Haitian members of the immigrant community have not been killing or eating animals in Springfield, Ohio.