Authorities in Canton, Ohio, have released shocking footage showing a woman allegedly stomping on a cat’s head and then eating the animal in front of stunned onlookers.
The incident, which occurred on August 16, involved 27-year-old Allexis Ferrell, who was discovered by police with “fur on her lips and blood on her hands,” according to official reports.
Ferrell was arrested after horrified neighbors contacted authorities. When officers arrived at the scene, bodycam footage captured Ferrell crouched over the dead cat.
The Canton Police Department later confirmed, “Officers determined that Allexis had smashed the cat’s head with her foot and then began to eat it.”
The recently released graphic video shows officers confronting Ferrell, who was covered in blood. One officer requested rubber gloves due to the disturbing nature of the scene.
Initially unresponsive to police questioning, Ferrell later answered “I don’t know” when asked why she killed the cat. She was then arrested and placed in a squad car.
The case has drawn attention amid unsubstantiated rumors from Springfield, Ohio—about 170 miles away—that Haitian migrants have been killing and eating pets.
These claims were brought up during a city commission meeting in late July, where residents voiced concerns about the influx of 15,000 Haitian immigrants since 2020, accusing some of bizarre behavior, including eating ducks and other pets.
However, Springfield police have refuted these allegations, stating that there are no credible reports of such activity. Despite this, the rumors gained national attention when former President Donald Trump referenced them during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… They’re eating the cats… They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
Even after moderator David Muir pointed out that no credible reports supported the claims, Trump maintained that he had “seen people on television” discussing it.
In response, Springfield police reiterated that no immigrant-related pet killings had been reported. A police spokesperson stated, “There have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Regarding Ferrell, Canton police stressed that her case is unrelated to the rumors from Springfield. “The suspect in this case is not a Haitian immigrant,” said Canton police spokesperson Dennis Garren. “She is a lifelong Canton resident.”
Ferrell now faces a charge of cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony. She is being held at the Stark County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Ferrell has a criminal history, including previous charges for cocaine possession, receiving stolen property, and child endangerment.
She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and is scheduled for a competency hearing before Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank G. Forchione on October 15.
WATCH:
