Fact check: Did Haitians eat cats back in 2024

1. Summary of the results

The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that Haitians did not eat cats in 2024. Multiple sources confirm this was a false rumor that gained political traction during the 2024 election cycle.

The Springfield pet-eating hoax was thoroughly debunked, with reports showing there was no credible evidence to support claims that Haitian migrants were eating pets ^[1]. Local officials in Springfield, Ohio specifically stated there were no credible reports of migrants eating pets, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine confirmed that the rumors had "no credible evidence" ^[2].

Despite the lack of evidence, JD Vance continued to defend and spread these false claims about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio ^{[3] [2]}. The claims were also promoted by Donald Trump and his 2024 running mate as part of what sources describe as racist comments about Haitian eating practices ^[4].

In contrast to these false narratives, sources highlight Haiti's rich culinary culture and traditional cuisine, which Haitian chefs are working to introduce to Americans ^{[4] [5]}. Haitian cuisine was even ranked 67th globally by TasteAtlas for its rich flavors and cultural significance ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about the severe humanitarian crisis Haiti faced in 2024. More than half of Haiti's population was experiencing alarming levels of food insecurity due to gang violence and economic collapse ^[7]. The country reached a historic high of hunger with one-in-two Haitians in acute hunger ^[8], and Haiti experienced an actual famine in 2024 ^[9].

This context is critical because it shows the real food crisis Haitians were facing - not a choice to eat unconventional foods, but a struggle for basic nutrition and survival. The false pet-eating narrative completely ignored this humanitarian emergency.

The question also omits the political context - these false claims emerged during the 2024 U.S. election cycle and were specifically targeted at Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, not Haitians in Haiti itself.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears to perpetuate harmful misinformation by treating the cat-eating claims as potentially legitimate rather than acknowledging they were thoroughly debunked false rumors.

Political figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance benefited from spreading these false narratives as part of their 2024 campaign strategy, using racist stereotypes to target Haitian immigrants ^{[4] [3]}. These claims served their political interests by stoking anti-immigrant sentiment, despite having no basis in reality.

The question's framing suggests there might be truth to these claims, when multiple sources confirm they were completely fabricated. This type of questioning can inadvertently amplify harmful stereotypes about Haitian people and culture, ignoring both the rich culinary traditions of Haiti ^{[5] [6]} and the genuine humanitarian crisis the country faced in 2024 ^{[7] [8] [9]}.