ABC fact-checks Trump during debate over false claim of migrants eating pets

ABC News anchor David Muir offered a fact-check on former President Trump after he falsely claimed immigrants are eating pets in Ohio.

“We checked with the city manager,” Muir said, saying officials in Springfield, Ohio, found no evidence of the allegations of immigrants eating pets. Vice President Harris appeared to laugh as Trump screamed “they’re eating the dogs!”

“I saw people on television talking about it,” Trump insisted after Muir pushed back, adding “we’ll find out.”

Trump was referencing an unfounded internet conspiracy that Haitian immigrants are abducting and eating pets in Springfield, despite the city’s police department denying any such incidents.

The claims have been promoted in recent days by Trump's running mate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), though the vice presidential candidate on Tuesday said it is possible all the rumors may be false.

The unfounded stories have also been pushed by some of the right's leading commentators and pundits.

The viral story prompted Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck to clarify "that 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. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic,” Heck told The Hill this week.