Matt Rice
Director of Investigations
MattR@MercyForAnimals.org

Matt Rice serves as director of investigations for Mercy For Animals – working closely with undercover investigators to obtain video footage and other evidence of animal abuse at factory farms, hatcheries and slaughterhouses. Matt also works with attorneys, veterinarians and animal welfare experts to review covert footage and draft criminal complaints, and then with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to secure animal cruelty convictions against individuals and facilities that abuse animals.

Investigations by Mercy For Animals have led to raids on factory farms, rescues of abused and neglected farmed animals, passage of landmark anti-cruelty legislation, corporate animal welfare policy reforms, and opening the hearts and minds of millions of consumers to the power of their food choices.

Matt is a former United States Marine and holds a bachelor's degree in biology and anthropology from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. For as long as he can remember, Matt has had an affinity for animals and been opposed to more visible forms of cruelty, but he never really considered the plight of farmed animals until he saw the documentary Meet Your Meat. After witnessing the needless suffering endured by cows, pigs, chickens and other farmed animals, he decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle and become a committed animal advocate.

Matt now has many years of experience in the animal protection movement, managing successful campaigns, developing educational materials and websites, and coordinating fundraising and outreach events. A seasoned public speaker, Matt has given presentations on effective animal advocacy, social justice and other topics at forums such as colleges, high schools, and conferences.

Due to his leadership strengths, Matt has successfully recruited, managed and trained volunteers, interns and staff for some of the nation's foremost animal protection organizations. Matt has coordinated cutting-edge and thought-provoking demonstrations in cities around the world, and given interviews to local, national and international media outlets – reaching millions of people on a wide range of animal rights issues.