Melissa Sanger

Melissa shares her life with three beautiful daughters, three dogs, and two cats. She is a licensed veterinary technician and worked at The Humane Society of Livingston County for 18 years, advocating for animals and those who care for them. After graduating from Wayne State University in Detroit with a degree in English, Melissa joined PETA as a staff writer. She spends her free time learning about natural ways to protect honeybees, driving around town in her Jeep, and creating new vegan recipes.

Animal Companions

Cyanobacteria and Canines: Understanding the Risks of Blue-Green Algae to Dogs

Learn about toxic blue-green algae and how to keep your animal companions safe.

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orchids & sweet tea vegan jamaican oxtail

Food

Must-Try Vegan Oxtail Recipes to Warm Your Heart and Soul

These recipes—whether you use jackfruit, tofu, mushrooms, or Voxtail (aka “vegan oxtail”)—are sure to warm your heart and soul.

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vegan dog treats from three different brands

Animal Companions

‘Treat’ Your Dog to These Vegan Biscuits and Cakes

Indulge your animal companions with vegan dog treats from compassionate bakeries. Delicious and nutritious options celebrate animal rights while treating dogs right.

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Animal Companions

No Bones About It! Sweet Reasons to Switch to Coconut Sugar

What if you could get more vitamins and nutrients without the fancy diets or supplements? Coconut sugar just may be the answer.

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Close up of a brown and white dog's face. There is a plastic e-collar wrapped around their neck

Vet Tech Shaken by PETA’s Investigation

As a licensed veterinary technician, I took an oath to help animals. What I didn’t know about animal blood “donors” compromised that oath.

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Food

Deception Through the Amber Lens of a Fish-Oil Capsule

A lot of health claims are made about fish-oil supplements, but are they true? Learn the facts and the best way to get healthy omega-3s.

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Close up of beagle's face. Their head is resting on their paws

PETA’s Undercover Video Shows Dogs Force-Fed OxyContin, the Drug Featured in the Netflix Hit ‘Painkiller’

Matthew Broderick and Uzo Aduba expose human opioid addiction in the U.S., while PETA exposes opioid testing on beagles.

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An Open Letter to the Frog I Dissected in High School

The ethical implications of dissecting once-living beings can’t be ignored. One former student offers a heartfelt apology and talks about the important lesson that she learned.

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Orange and white goldfish with blue background

Video Reportedly Shows a Few Survivors Swimming Among the Dead at PetSmart

A viral TikTok video of dozens of seemingly dead fish reportedly filmed at PetSmart proves that if you love fish, you should never buy them.

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Meet a Vivisection Victim: p53, a Genetically Modified Mouse

Millions of mice are used in deadly experiments every year. But how do they end up in laboratories? Here’s one mouse’s story—in her own words.

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Rocket Raccoon Is a ‘Guardian of the Galaxy’—Learn How YOU Can Be a Guardian of Raccoons

Raccoons face many dangers in the urban jungle. Learn how you can be a real-life guardian of these smart, curious animals.

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