RantCrush Top 5: August 2, 2017

The anti-vaxxer movement–mostly propelled by the complete and total myth that vaccines cause autism–is now extending to our furry friends. Veterinarians claim that they’re seeing pet owners choose not to vaccinate their dogs because they don’t want them to develop autism. But these vaccines are important, because they protect our pups from things like rabies, which in turn protects humans as well. Turning down vaccines appears to be a trend in Brooklyn, New York, and Brooklyn-based vets have pointed to a recent outbreak of Leptospirosis as evidence. The disease is lethal to dogs and also infected a few humans last year. Besides the fact that vaccines do not cause autism, it’s unclear whether dogs can even be autistic. Either way…it’s important to vaccinate your pets. It could save their lives and stem the spread of harmful diseases.

are you JOKING https://t.co/HDXdSwEXH6 pic.twitter.com/loS65mUrgN

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) August 1, 2017

Your dog won’t get autism from vaccines. S/he may get and give rabies if you don’t. This is not hard.

— Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) August 1, 2017

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.