Ohio Woman's Cat Eating Fuels Election Rumors

Allexis T. Ferrell, a 27-year-old woman from Canton, Ohio, was sentenced to 30 months in jail for killing and eating a cat, an act caught on video that fueled false claims during the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The incident involved Ferrell stomping on the cat's head before consuming it, leading to charges of cruelty to companion animals. Judge Frank Forchione expressed disgust over the embarrassment caused by Ferrell's actions both locally and nationally. The case drew attention when it was mistakenly linked to rumors spread by then-President-elect Donald Trump, suggesting Haitian immigrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Ferrell's sentence was extended due to violations of prior probation for theft and child endangerment. Despite initially pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, Ferrell was deemed competent to stand trial and changed her plea to guilty.