Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) has defended claims that immigrants living in Springfield, Ohio, have eaten pets. Speaking on CNN, Vance mentioned firsthand accounts from his constituents as the basis for these allegations. However, both the mayor of Springfield and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine have denied such reports and have emphasized the positive contributions made by Haitian immigrants to the city’s economy.
The issue of pet-eating allegations has gained significant attention on social media, with some conservative accounts sharing memes about the topic. Former President Donald Trump mentioned the allegations during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. In response to these claims, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost pointed to a recorded police call from a witness who saw immigrants capturing geese for food in Springfield.
Despite these claims, DeWine highlighted that many Haitian migrants living in the city are legal and have been instrumental in boosting the local economy through their work with various companies. He acknowledged that there may be some challenges and problems arising from the sudden influx of immigrants, but insisted that the situation was being addressed appropriately.
DeWine also reiterated his support for Trump in the 2024 election, emphasizing that there are legitimate issues with the U.S. border that need to be addressed. While Vance and others have continued to highlight the pet-eating allegations as a means of drawing attention to broader immigration concerns, it remains unclear whether these claims can be substantiated independently.
