A recent video shared by JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate and Ohio Senator, has stirred up unfounded rumors regarding immigrants purportedly kidnapping and consuming pets in the region.

This time, the alarming claims are centered around Dayton, which is approximately 30 miles from Springfield, a city embroiled in the immigration debate due to unverified allegations that Haitian immigrants are harming pets.

The video featuring cats near a grill in a backyard was initially posted on Saturday by conservative activist Christopher F. Rufo and later retweeted by Vance. Rufo is notable for his role in opposing critical race theory. Vance and several other Republican figures had previously circulated rumors about Haitian migrants in Springfield engaging in pet consumption.

Vance commented, “Kamala Harris and her media allies should be embarrassed. Another supposedly ‘debunked’ story that actually has some truth to it.”

In the caption accompanying Rufo’s video, he claims it demonstrates migrants grilling and eating cats in Ohio.

Contrarily, Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims declared in a statement released Saturday afternoon that these accusations are “baseless.”

“These allegations are completely false and irresponsibly incite fear and division. There have been no reports at all of such behavior, and spreading this kind of misinformation jeopardizes our reputation as a welcoming city,” said Mims. “The city of Dayton supports its immigrant and refugee community and recognizes their valuable contributions to our vibrant culture and economy. We are committed to fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all residents of Dayton.”

Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal also released a statement on Saturday, asserting that the department “strongly refutes the misleading claims circulating on social media about our immigrant community.”

“We support our immigrant community, and there is no proof whatsoever that any group, including immigrants, is involved in harming pets,” Afzal stated. “It is disheartening to see politicians or others use outrageous misinformation to gain support from their followers.”

City officials and Dayton police did not immediately reply to requests for additional information.

This incident marks the second time a city in Ohio has faced accusations regarding pets being consumed. Earlier in the week, rumors concerning Springfield and its increasing Haitian community gained traction across social media and national headlines.

The false claims proliferated online and were even echoed by former President Donald Trump, who raised the issue during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

Fact check: The Ohio woman accused of doing this is from Canton, not Springfield

“In Springfield, people are consuming the pets—dogs and cats, from the locals,” Trump stated during the debate.

However, city officials in Springfield, along with police and representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, confirmed there is no evidence supporting claims of pets, ducks, or geese being harmed.

“In response to recent allegations targeting the immigrant population in our city, we want to clarify that there have been no credible reports of any pets being harmed, hurt, or abused by members of our immigrant community,” stated Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck in a prior announcement.