The police in Dayton, Ohio, have refuted claims circulating online that immigrants in the area were seen preparing to grill dead cats. The allegations emerged after a video surfaced showing animal carcasses on a grill, with the person filming joking that they were cats. Law enforcement officials have stated that there is no evidence to suggest that any group, including immigrants, is engaging in the practice of eating pets. The Dayton Police Chief, Kamran Afzal, condemned the dissemination of such false information by politicians and individuals as being harmful and disheartening.
This latest claim comes on the heels of similar baseless allegations in nearby Springfield, Ohio, where it was falsely reported that Haitian immigrants were abducting and consuming pets. Former President Donald Trump repeated this claim during a debate, despite city officials in Springfield confirming that there was no evidence to support it. Additionally, Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance doubled down on the claims, further spreading misinformation. The debunked narratives, which target immigrants, have sparked controversy and division within the community.
The new allegation regarding immigrants grilling dead cats was originally published by conservative writer Christopher Rufo on Substack. The claims were based on a video circulating on social media, where the filming individual alleges the carcasses on the grill are cats. CBS News confirmed the video was first posted in August 2023 by a man living in Dayton, Ohio. Rufo claimed to have spoken with the individual behind the video and collaborated with IM-1776, an online magazine, to investigate the incident further. Despite neighbors claiming that African immigrants lived in the building where the video was filmed, the origin and identity of the residents remain unverified.
Dayton Mayor Jeffrey J. Mims, Jr. also condemned the new claim as being “totally false and dangerously irresponsible,” accusing politicians of perpetuating false narratives that sow division and fear. The mayor emphasized that there have been no reports to support the allegations of immigrants eating pets. The circulation of misinformation targeting immigrant communities not only harms their reputation but also contributes to a climate of fear and discrimination. Law enforcement officials and community leaders are urging the public to be cautious and verify information before sharing it.
The backlash and skepticism surrounding the new claim have prompted additional inquiries into the nature of the carcasses seen on the grill. Many users online have suggested that the carcasses resemble chickens rather than cats. CBS News has reached out to veterinary experts to provide their opinion on the type of animal carcasses present in the video. The ongoing investigation into the incident underscores the importance of fact-checking and responsible reporting, especially when dealing with sensitive and inflammatory topics. Community members are encouraged to promote unity and understanding rather than division and prejudice in addressing such contentious issues.
