Meet Shelly Fitzpatrick | Documentary Producer, Author, and Animal Rights Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly Fitzpatrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelly, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
As an Animal Rights Activist, I disagree with the conventional advice that “We need to drink cow’s milk and eat animals for our health.” Just because something has been a tradition, doesn’t make it ethical, necessary, or beneficial.

In 2025, we have access to an abundance of plant-based foods that provide all the nutrients we need, without causing harm to animals or the planet.

While achieving a completely Plant Based lifestyle can be challenging, I believe that making gradual changes can have a powerful impact in reducing the number of animals killed and consumed.

I authored my first book titled, “50 Reasons for a Vegan and Plant-Based Lifestyle” to shed light on the struggles animals face and to explore the numerous health issues linked to consuming animal products. Throughout this work, my goal is to inspire thoughtful conversations about compassion, well-being, and the impact of our dietary choices.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel immense pride when I reflect on my journey to raise awareness and help end the dog and cat meat trade in South Korea. From standing shoulder-to-shoulder with passionate and courageous animal rights activists walking through the heart of the dog meat markets, to organizing my own protests here in the U.S. to inspire others to consider plant-based and vegan options as a way to help protect animals, including cows, pigs, and turkeys.

Each moment in South Korea and the U.S. was a testament to the power of collective action to bring about awareness and change.

I am proud to have authored three books. The first, 50 Reasons for a Vegan and Plant Based Diet, shares powerful insights into the benefits of compassionate living. The second, Plant-Based Superheroes, highlights inspiring stories of kids making a positive impact for animals, and the third, Lucky Jeju, weaves a tale of hope and transformation for the dogs in Asia. Each of these works is dedicated to inspiring change and encouraging a better future for animals, health, and our planet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, let me kick things off by saying that I love Florida! For anyone who knows me or anyone who’s about to, this is the first thing I say every single day. It’s pure excitement and I can’t help but share it! My favorite spots are the Intracoastal and Ocean. We live in paradise here!

There is a great Vegan food and arts festival each year in Fort Lauderdale called Vegan Block Party, In addition, we have The MKT at Las Olas, which offers unique crafts and designs from some amazing Floridian artists!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to Andrew Abrahams, (award winnng, two-time academy award shortlisted producer) and President of Open Eye Pictures, Keegan Kuhn, Owner of First Spark Media and Producer/Director for What The health, Cowspiracy, Seaspiracy, Christspiracy, and They’re Trying To Kill Us, Klaus Mitchell, Founder of Plant Based News, and John Lewis, Producer.

As a producer, I’ve been honored to contribute to these groundbreaking films like Dog War from Open Eye Pictures, They’re Trying To Kill Us from First Spark Media, Vegan 2022 and Vegan 2020 from Plant Based News.

Being a part of these films and powerful messages alongside these inspiring producers (including Billie Eilish, Singer/Producer) is a deeply humbling moment in my life. Contributing to the realization of these projects has fulfilled a dream of mine to help amplify the efforts of those paving the way for a brighter future for animals, our health, and our planet.

Website: https://www.ShellyFitzpatrick.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/IamShellyFitzpatrick

Twitter: https://X.com/@ShellyFitzpAuth

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ShellyFitzpatrickAnimalRescue

Youtube: Youtube.com@ShellyFitzpatrickProducer

Other: https://bit.ly/4jpgyhW

Image Credits
Photography by Dmitry Zhitov