Are Immigrants Eating Animals?

Facts about immigrant food consumption

• No evidence of pet consumption: Local police and city officials have repeatedly stated there is no evidence of immigrants eating pets or other animals in areas where such rumors have spread

• Urban legend status: Claims about immigrants eating pets or other animals are considered an American urban legend that has persisted for decades, targeting various immigrant groups

• Dietary changes: Rural-urban migrants in Tanzania experienced shifts towards more high-sugar or prepared foods, but not necessarily increased consumption of animal products

• Food waste concerns: In New York City, there have been reports of migrants wasting prepared meals, but this is related to food quality issues rather than unusual eating habits or consuming pets

Origins and spread of the rumor

• Historical context: Similar rumors about Asian refugees eating pets and other animals circulated in the 1980s in various U.S. cities

• Recent resurgence: In 2024, claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio gained traction, despite being debunked

• Social media amplification: The rumor about immigrants eating animals appears to have started with a Facebook post and was amplified by far-right activists and local politicians

Actual immigrant food consumption patterns

• Dietary diversity: Urban farmers in Delhi, Jakarta, and Quito consumed a variety of foods, including eggs, dairy, fruits, meat, and fish, but not pets or unusual animals

• Improved nutrition: Participation in urban agriculture programs led to increased consumption of vegetables and more diverse diets among immigrants, not unusual animal consumption

• Traditional staples: In Tanzania, rural-urban migrants showed a shift away from traditional staples, but not towards increased animal product consumption or eating pets

Impact of urbanization on immigrant diets

• Convenience foods: Rural-urban migrants in Tanzania showed a stronger shift towards high-sugar or prepared foods compared to those who remained in rural areas, not towards eating pets or unusual animals

• No increase in nutritious foods: Moving to urban areas did not contribute to higher intake of more nutritious food groups such as animal-source foods or fruits and vegetables, dispelling myths about immigrants eating animals

• Food security challenges: Low-income migrant urban farmers in cities like Delhi, Jakarta, and Quito face higher risks of food insecurity due to limited access to affordable food, not due to eating pets or unusual animals

FAQ

Are immigrants really eating pets or other animals?

No, there is no credible evidence that immigrants are eating pets or other animals in unusual ways. These claims are baseless urban legends that have been repeatedly debunked by local authorities and fact-checkers.

What do studies show about migrant food consumption patterns?

Studies on migrant food consumption show shifts towards more high-sugar or prepared foods in urban areas, but not increased consumption of animal products or pets. Urban migrants often face challenges in accessing affordable, nutritious food.

Where did the rumor about immigrants eating animals come from?

The rumor about immigrants eating animals is an American urban legend that has persisted for decades. Recent claims, such as those about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, often start on social media and are amplified by far-right activists and local politicians.

How has urbanization affected immigrant diets?

Urbanization has led to shifts in immigrant diets, including increased consumption of convenience foods and prepared meals. However, there's no evidence of increased consumption of unusual animals or pets. Instead, urban migrants often face food insecurity and challenges in accessing diverse, nutritious foods.

What types of foods do immigrants actually consume?

Immigrants typically consume a variety of foods similar to other urban residents, including eggs, dairy, fruits, meat, and fish. Participation in urban agriculture programs has been shown to increase vegetable consumption and dietary diversity among immigrants, not unusual animal consumption.