Republican Ohio Gov. criticizes Trump-Vance false immigrant pet-eating conspiracy.

• Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine condemned the unfounded rumors spread by Donald Trump and Sen. JD Vance that Haitian immigrants were stealing and consuming pets in Springfield, Ohio.
• Trump amplified the most widely held conspiracies during the debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.
• Due to bomb threats, Springfield schools have undergone evacuations and temporary closures, as per the comments of Trump and Vance.

On Sunday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, condemned the baseless conspiracy theories promoted by former President Donald Trump and his vice presidential candidate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, regarding Haitian immigrants stealing and consuming people's pets in Springfield, Ohio.

"This statement is false and has no evidence to support it, as stated by DeWine on ABC's "This Week." The discussion about Haitians eating dogs is unproductive, and it is important to remember that these individuals are legally in the country and are working hard. They are legally in the country and are actively working."

Despite growing pleas from Ohio governing officials, Trump and Vance have continued to spread false rumors, with Springfield mayor stating there is no evidence to support the conspiracy.

"We must put an end to this discussion," DeWine stated. "It's time to shift our focus to progress and leave behind the absurdity of animals being eaten. This is simply preposterous."

Trump amplified the most widely held conspiracies during the debate against Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, and Vance has maintained his defense of the talking point.

""If I have to create stories to get the American media to pay attention to the struggles of the American people, then that's what I'll do," Vance stated on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday."

After receiving threatening emails, Wittenberg University in Springfield canceled all Sunday activities and temporarily closed its campus, citing concerns about a potential on-campus shooting targeting Haitians.

In the remaining 51 days before the November election, Trump and Vance have been spending campaign time defending themselves against conspiracy accusations in a state that was previously considered a safe Republican stronghold.

"DeWine stated that he believes the individual will perform well in Ohio and that it's more beneficial for him to discuss the issues that significantly affect Americans."