Woman killed in shooting was a patron saint to neglected animals
Donna Neale is an OSPCA investigator with the authority to seize neglected or mistreated animals. She was also murder victim Wendy Allan’s friend.
Neale tried “steadily” for years to help Allan curb her desire to give an increasing number of animals a home.
“I knew her well. I worked with her for years on this,” Neale said.
Neale and Humane Society Kawartha Lakes shelter manager Courtney Bryans are trying to cope with the impact of the murder-suicide, especially on the three children of the couple.
City of Kawartha Lakes OPP were called to the Spen Haven Road property known as Freedom Ranch, about 30 kilometres northwest of Peterborough, on the morning of Aug. 19.
Two people, identified as John Allan, 63, and Wendy Allan, 51, were found dead of gunshot wounds. Police later said Wendy’s death was a homicide and John’s a suicide.
They leave behind three teenaged children Mackenzie, Matthew and Sarah.
People can donate to a trust fund for the children at any RBC branch using the account number 003 02662 5102025.
A celebration of Wendy Allan’s life has been scheduled for Oct. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lakeland Funeral and Cremation Centre, 19 Moose Rd., Lindsay.
Neale said Wendy was always looking to “rescue” yet another animal.
“At first, it wasn’t that bad, but as the years went by, she would get more and more animals. I would spend an hour and a half talking to her every time I went out, trying to help her see she didn’t have room for them all. But over time, it got worse.
Bryans said she, Neale and a shelter animal care staffer were called to the property right after the shootings when police asked municipal enforcement officers to contact the shelter to remove the animals.
Officials initially said there were 15 dogs, six cats, four rabbits and a budgie, along with almost 100 livestock. On Tuesday, Neale clarified the total number of animals at the property was about 100.
“The family surrendered the dogs, cats, rabbits and bird immediately after the shootings,” she said.
A few days later, Neale said friends arrived at the property and began taking livestock away with the Allan children’s permission.
“They were friends trying to help,” she said. “But, when they were done, there were still animals that needed to be taken out. I took 19 horses and donkeys to the sale barn.”
Neale said the property, which is about 50 acres of mainly bush and swamp, “was in no way big enough” for all of the livestock, which included a pig, geese, goats, sheep and a calf along with the horses, donkeys and miniature horses. Nor was the house large enough to hold all the dogs and cats, she added.
Neale said while trying to get Wendy to stop bringing more animals home she was forced to issue “numerous orders” and Wendy would comply for awhile.
“She would comply, but then someone would bring her another animal, or take her to the sale. People kept giving her animals — and it would start all over again.”
But, in the last year, Neale said the situation deteriorated.
There was pasture, but no grazing for the large animals. Water was a problem because the well kept running dry, and there was insufficient veterinary care, she said.
“The environment was horrendous, there were just too many animals for that property,” she said. “She had a good heart. Wendy will be known for her good heart.”
NOTE: Anyone wishing to adopt one of the animals or to donate toward the dogs who need dental care can call the shelter at 705-878-4618.