The origins of Trump’s Claim That Immigrants are Eating Pets

livemint.com:

Donald Trump doubled down on claims that immigrants in Ohio are eating people’s pets during his first debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, amplifying a falsehood dismissed by officials in the state. “In Springfield, they are eating the dogs," Trump said, repeating an internet conspiracy involving Haitian immigrants that has been debunked by news organizations this week. “They’re eating the cats," Trump said onstage during the ABC debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Local police have said there is no evidence to substantiate those claims. The claim is the latest in a series of exaggerations or moments that when challenged with facts, Trump or his top lieutenants refuse to abandon. The pet rumors started with a Facebook post, citing the poster’s “neighbor’s daughter’s friend," according to local police.

The original poster didn’t cite firsthand knowledge of an incident, Springfield Police said in a statement Monday. The post claimed that a pet cat had been found hanging from a branch at a Haitian neighbor’s home after being carved up to be eaten. Harris shook her head and laughed as Trump continued to promote the rumor, which was also repeated this week by his vice presidential running mate, Sen.

JD Vance of Ohio, and amplified by conservative media. Debate moderator David Muir told Trump that the network had checked with Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, who said there are no reports of pets being harmed by immigrants. When again told it wasn’t true, Trump said: “But the people on television say their dog was eaten by the people that went there." There is evidence that an influx of migrants to the small city of about 59,000 people has put a strain on Springfield’s resources.