Predators of the Heart Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Complaint to federal agency over Washington animal organization

By Lauren Gallup August 1, 2024

Two canids at the Predators of the Heart facility in Anacortes. The organization also goes by Because We Matter Exotic Animal Rescue. (Courtesy: Debbie Sodl / Because We Matter Exotic Animal Rescue)

In Skagit County, a nonprofit that houses a number of animals, including exotic ones, is in continued legal battles. A law firm that advocates for animal rights is claiming the organization may have violated the Endangered Species Act, by, as the law firm claims in its complaint, the illegal euthanization of wolves. Read More

Predators of the Heart once again denied a special use permit to continue operations

By Lauren Gallup December 12, 2023

A canid or wolf-dog at the Predators of the Heart Facility in Anacortes. The organization now goes by Because We Matter Exotic Animal Rescue. (Courtesy: Debbie Sodl / Because We Matter Exotic Animal Rescue)

The Skagit County Board of County Commissioners denied an appeal and affirmed the county hearing examiner’s October decision, denying a special use permit for Predators of the Heart (POTH) in Anacortes. The decision on Dec. 12 came as no surprise to the organization’s executive director, Ashley Carr, who said the organization will appeal this latest decision in superior court. Read More

Nonprofit for exotic animals in Anacortes could be forced to close

By Lauren Gallup December 5, 2023

Whether an organization housing a variety of animals in Anacortes, Washington will continue operating is in the hands of the Skagit County Board of Commissioners — with a decision expected Dec. 12. The nonprofit, Predators of the Heart, is appealing an October decision by the Skagit County hearing examiner denying POTH a special use permit to house animals the county Read More