Washington’s numerous activists and wildlife watchers, and lack of puppy mills make the nation’s capital the fourth most animal-friendly city in the country, according to the U.S. Humane Society.
The animal rights organization announced its inaugural index to measure how the 25 most-populated cities make their communities safer for animals.
The Humane Index examined a range of subjects including circus attendance, fur stores, vegetarian restaurants and markets that sell turtles and frogs for eating. Public dog parks weren’t taken into consideration.
“We hope it’s a good conversation-starter that inspires people to take action,” said Jennifer Fearing, the group’s chief economist and author of the index.
San Francisco was named the most humane city, ahead of Seattle, Portland and Washington. Chicago finished last.
Washington, a city with a large number of advocates and journalists, ranked first for its efforts to protect animals and second for its major newspaper coverage of animal issues.
Washingtonians also showed their humane side by refusing to buy puppies from pet stores, Fearing said. Less than 25 percent of pet stores sell puppies.
