ANACORTES, Wash. – A wildlife sanctuary near Anacortes is struggling to stay open.

King 5 reports Predators of the Heart may have to close because they are facing a lawsuit and shelling out thousands of dollars a month for litigation.

Last October, three wolves escaped and ended up killing a neighbor’s dog.

That prompted residents to sue.

Predators of the Heart has operated for 21 years and houses 15 wolves and more than 50 other animal species.

The sanctuary normally operates based on money brought in by selling tours to the public, but they have been unable to operate for a year because of a permitting issue with Skagit County.

Owner Ashley Carr says she only has a few weeks to find a new home for the animals or she will have to euthanize them.