The mayor of Springfield, Ohio, is insisting residents do not have to worry about their pets being consumed.
On Thursday, News Nation’s Chris Cuomo interviewed Mayor Rob Rue of Springfield and asked him about the allegations that Haitian migrants were snatching pets and eating them.
“I’d like to first say Springfield is still beautiful and your pets are safe in Springfield, Ohio, safe. Safe,” Rue said.
He added the allegations have “created a negative light.”
Finally, Rue said of the claim, “These claims are, they were just untrue. And we may mention that we just don’t see reports of those. There’s a lot of frenzy on the internet, but this is not what we’re seeing. It’s a bit frustrating.”
Watch the video below:
The claim about Haitian migrants eating pets went viral after a resident made the allegation during a City Commission in August.
Former President Donald Trump mentioned the allegations during his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people … are eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what’s happening in our country.”
However, the Springfield Police Department told Spectrum News, “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
“Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents’ homes,” the law enforcement statement continued. “Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic.”
Meanwhile, Rue said during a press conference, “We wish to clarify that we have not been able to verify any credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.
“The news story regarding a cat being killed or consumed did not originate in Springfield. It actually involved a Canton woman who was arrested for animal cruelty last month,” he added.
