Examining the Truth: Do Haitians Really Eat Cats and Dogs?

Do Haitians eat cats and dogs?

Based on the available information, there is no credible evidence that Haitians eat cats and dogs. This claim appears to be part of a disinformation campaign targeting Haitian immigrants. Here are the key points:

1. Officials in Springfield, Ohio, where rumors about Haitian immigrants eating pets originated, have stated there are “no credible reports or specific allegations of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community”[1][8].

2. The Springfield police department has not received any reports of stolen or consumed pets[7].

3. Experts on Haitian culture and Vodou practices state that cats and dogs are not part of Haitian religious rituals or diet. Dr. Ingrid Kummels, a Latin American ethnologist, notes that “Afro-Caribbean religions, including Haitian Vodou, only involve the sacrifice of animals considered edible, such as chickens and goats. Cats and dogs are not part of these practices”[5].

4. Haitian individuals have spoken out against these claims. One Haitian stated, “For the Record we (Haitians) don’t eat cats and dogs in Haiti. They are seen as loved companion animals”[3].

5. Scholars point out that the “dog eater” stereotype is a fearmongering tactic historically used against various immigrant groups, particularly those of Asian heritage[6].

6. The rumors appear to be part of a broader disinformation campaign targeting Haitian immigrants, fueled by social media posts and amplified by some politicians[1][2].

In conclusion, the claim that Haitians eat cats and dogs is not supported by evidence and appears to be a harmful stereotype rooted in xenophobia and misinformation.

Citations:
[1] Where did Trump’s Springfield dog-eating debate claims come from? https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/springfield-ohio-haiti-immigrants-pets-b2611074.html
[2] America’s Racist, Xenophobic, and Highly Specific Fear of Haiti https://theintercept.com/2024/09/12/trump-springfield-haiti-cats-dogs-racism-immigration/
[3] For the Record we (Haitians) don’t eat cats and dogs in Haiti … – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/h3h3productions/comments/1ffv8qb/for_the_record_we_haitians_dont_eat_cats_and_dogs/
[4] Haiti’s Voodoo Culture Consists Of Sacrificing Cats, “Eating Animals, And Humans,” According To Reports https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/haiti-voodoo-culture-eating-animals-humans-jack-brewer
[5] Fact check: Disinformation targets Haitian migrants – DW – 09/13/2024 https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-how-the-stigmatization-of-haitian-vodou-led-to-a-disinformation-campaign/a-70200764
[6] the racist US history behind Trump’s Haitian pet eater claim https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/sep/14/racist-history-trump-pet-eating-immigrant
[7] Trump falsely accuses immigrants in Ohio of abducting and eating pets https://apnews.com/article/haitian-immigrants-vance-trump-ohio-6e4a47c52b23ae2c802d216369512ca5
[8] Ohio City Responds to Claims of Animal Sacrifices by Haitian Migrants https://www.newsweek.com/immigration-haitian-migrants-springfield-ohio-eating-pets-maga-1951125