Donald Trump's out-the-gate claim that migrants eat people's pets has gone viral.

In yesterday's presidential debate, the former President claimed migrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating dogs and cats.

US correspondent Logan Church says Trump got it from a social media post.

"There was absolutely no proof or evidence of anything like this actually happening. But that rumour started spreading like wildfire."

Springfield's mayor's released a statement saying it's disappointing misinformation's skewed - and been amplified in the debate.

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