A kindness index survey taken by Best Friends Animal Society finds that most Americans believe overwhelmingly that they have a moral obligation to protect animals and are adamant about passing these values on to their children.
We are at a classic tipping point. Eighty-nine percent of Americans say they believe that animals should never be abused. Numbers like that speak for themselves, said Michael Mountain, president of Best Friends.
However, only 40 percent of respondents said they donate to animal welfare organizations, 43 percent adopt their pets from shelters, and only seven percent have ever volunteered at a local shelter.
Lake Research Partners designed and administered the phone survey, which was conducted between March 27 and March 30. The survey reached 1,000 registered voters ages 18 or older nationwide.
Utah-based Best Friends Animal Society operates one of the countrys largest animal sanctuaries.
Posted: June 20, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST