Fact Check: Is "Cats for Trump" real? MAGA rumor about Haitian immigrants eating pets sparked by Ohio woman Allexis Telia Ferrell debunked

In line with "White Dudes for Harris" and "Comedians for Harris", "Cats for Trump" is the newest faction emerging on social media in support of Republican nominee Donald Trump. This call for action, backed by AI-generated images of Trump safeguarding cats and ducks, circulated on social media after several MAGA supporters spread misinformation about Haiti immigrants in Springfield killing and eating cats.

Republican VP pick JD Vance and X owner Elon Musk are two of many Republicans who have been spreading false information accusing Haiti immigrants of allegedly eating pets on social media. However, there is no proof of Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio attacking and eating pets.

Springfield houses around 12000 to 15000 Haitians as lawful residents under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. According to the Springfield News, police have received no reports of missing pets or dead cats. This was further backed by a statement the police released to NBC News.

“In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish 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," the email read.

These rumors arose after 27-year-old Allexis Telia Ferrell from Canton, Ohio, allegedly killed and ate a cat in front of multiple witnesses on August 16, 2024. Ferrell was charged with animal cruelty.

The misinformation campaign, actively backed by Republicans, aims to discredit and cast doubt on US Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris's migrant policies.

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Donald Trump and Kamala Harris prepare for their upcoming debate

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will face each other for the first time in their first-ever presidential debate, hosted by ABC News at 9 pm EDT on September 10. The 90-minute debate will be hosted by ABC's Linsey Davis and David Muir with no live audience.

Harris had previously requested a "hot mics" debate, an event in which both the opponents' microphones remain turned on throughout the duration. However, ABC announced in its rules that only the speaker's mic will be turned on when they're speaking and the opponent's mic will be muted.

The news network also added the two candidates should not step away from their lecterns, with Trump on the left side and Harris on the right side of the screen. On September 2, Harris was seen at Howard University engaging in a mock presidential debate with Philippe Reines, a former Hillary Clinton advisor who was role-playing as Trump.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's strategy is to be himself, revealed his campaign spokesperson Jason Miller to CNN just hours before the debate. He added that this might give the former president an advantage over Harris, who is allegedly working with new advisors she doesn't know.

“All these new people, these strangers trying to put thoughts in her [Harris] head. These binders of stats and details. She has no idea what any of this is. No idea whatsoever. And she’s trying to figure out what type of person she wants to be, because her positions are changing, though her values have stayed the same.”

The debate comes two months before the presidential election scheduled on November 5, 2024.