ABOUT SARAT

I was born on Hornby Island, BC, into an artistic family, surrounded by the Salish Sea and its wild inhabitants. My early life spent exploring forests, beaches, and creek beds seeded an ethos of anti-speciesism and environmentalism.

In 2004, during my first semester of university, I was introduced to the philosophy of animal rights and soon after became a vegan and animal advocate. I later moved to Ontario, where I studied English and Sociology at Brock University. While there, I became active in a community of Critical Animal Studies scholar-activists, co-organizing international conferences, attending protests, and pursuing a master’s degree in the sociology department.

My thesis, “Animals without Borders: Farmed Animal Resistance in New York,” published in Italy as Animali in Rivolta (2017), explored the often-overlooked narratives of animals who resist human exploitation. Expanding on this work, I independently researched and wrote Animal Resistance in the Global Capitalist Era (2020) and my first children’s book, Chickpea Runs Away (2019).

Today, I have returned to my island roots. I live in a handmade tiny house, in the company of Xena, an exuberant rescued chihuahua. From 2015 to 2022, I worked as the program coordinator for the island’s local natural history centre. Now, my hours are spent writing, drawing, walking with Xena, and being immersed in the wildness that inspires my work.

My passion for amplifying stories of animal agency continues, and I am currently working on a book that commemorates 50 stories of animal rebels. The book features beautiful, original portraits of the animal rebels by artists who are passionate about animal advocacy. All proceeds from the book will go to supporting the animal sanctuary movement.