Ohio Officials Address Viral Photo of Man Holding Geese Amid Migrant Misinformation Concerns

Ohio officials address misinformation, clarifying a viral photo of a man holding geese unrelated to migrant claims.

Ohio Officials Clarify Viral Photo of Man Holding Geese Amid Misinformation on Migrants

 

A viral image showing a man holding two geese on an Ohio street has sparked widespread rumors, but authorities have clarified that the incident has been blown out of proportion. The Ohio Division of Wildlife revealed that the man, whose identity remains anonymous, was simply removing the geese from the street after they were hit by a car. There is no evidence to support the claims that he intended to take them home for consumption or that he is a migrant, as some rumors suggested.

 

The image, which was initially shared on the Columbus subreddit in July, gained traction after being linked to false narratives about migrants allegedly hunting pets and wildlife. These rumors were further fueled by remarks made by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a rally in Arizona, where he referenced the viral photo to bolster claims that migrants were consuming pets in various communities.

 

Trump cited a 911 call from a Springfield resident, who reported seeing Haitian migrants taking geese from a local park. He referenced the incident during a debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, stating, "They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there."

 

However, local authorities have repeatedly debunked these claims. The Ohio Division of Wildlife and other officials have confirmed there have been no credible reports of pets being stolen or consumed by migrants.

 

Despite the ongoing spread of misinformation, authorities urge the public to rely on verified information to avoid unnecessary fear and panic.