Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

Veterinarian examining a horse, and a woman holding a dog at a clinic.

Illicit Drug Markets Drain Lifesaving Medicines From Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary medications meant to calm horses, dogs, and wildlife are now turning up in street drugs — and the fallout is hitting both people and animals. 

Illicit Drug Markets Drain Lifesaving Medicines From Veterinary Clinics

Veterinary medications meant to calm horses, dogs, and wildlife are now turning up in street drugs — and the fallout is hitting both people and animals. 

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Allegations of deep, long-term neglect at the Holtsville Wildlife Ecology Center are surfacing, and the details are far more heartbreaking than many imagined.

Whistleblowers Reveal Years of Silent Suffering at Public Zoo

Allegations of deep, long-term neglect at the Holtsville Wildlife Ecology Center are surfacing, and the details are far more heartbreaking than many imagined.

Close-up of a shark swimming in clear blue water, showcasing its streamlined body.

Vanishing Deepwater Sharks, Hunted for Beauty Products, Win Hard-Fought Protections

Deepwater sharks have been targeted for years, pulled from the darkest parts of the ocean so their liver oil could become makeup and moisturizers. Their populations collapsed in silence, hidden...

Vanishing Deepwater Sharks, Hunted for Beauty Products, Win Hard-Fought Protections

Deepwater sharks have been targeted for years, pulled from the darkest parts of the ocean so their liver oil could become makeup and moisturizers. Their populations collapsed in silence, hidden...

Doberman playing with another dog in a backyard setting, showing playful interaction.

Parvovirus Surges as Pets Fall Sick in Record Numbers

Parvovirus is tearing through clinics and rescue centers at a pace veterinarians haven’t seen in years. Dogs and cats that seemed healthy one day are collapsing the next, and some...

Parvovirus Surges as Pets Fall Sick in Record Numbers

Parvovirus is tearing through clinics and rescue centers at a pace veterinarians haven’t seen in years. Dogs and cats that seemed healthy one day are collapsing the next, and some...

EPA Unleashes New ‘Forever Chemical’ Pesticides Despite Mounting Health Fears

EPA Unleashes New ‘Forever Chemical’ Pesticides Despite Mounting Health Fears

The EPA just approved two new pesticides built with PFAS — the same “forever chemicals” now showing up in drinking water across the country.

EPA Unleashes New ‘Forever Chemical’ Pesticides Despite Mounting Health Fears

The EPA just approved two new pesticides built with PFAS — the same “forever chemicals” now showing up in drinking water across the country.

Someone performing a procedure on a horse, with steam visible from the equipment.

Branding Burns Leave Horses in Agony as Tradition Overrides Welfare

Branding is often defended as “tradition,” but the reality for horses is far more painful. Hot irons scorch through skin. Freeze irons shock tissue and still cause distress. Foals struggle,...

Branding Burns Leave Horses in Agony as Tradition Overrides Welfare

Branding is often defended as “tradition,” but the reality for horses is far more painful. Hot irons scorch through skin. Freeze irons shock tissue and still cause distress. Foals struggle,...