The staff of the local SPCA branch are mourning the death of Special Provincial Constable Jeannine Woodhouse.

Woodhouse, 44, was killed in a head-on collision near McLeese Lake Tuesday morning.

Woodhouse and Marjorie Westergard of Williams were pronounced dead at the scene after their vehicles collided at about 9 a.m.

Woodhouse was on her way to attend a meeting in Williams Lake.

The BC SPCA’s North Cariboo Branch in Prince George, where Woodhouse was based and where she was formerly the branch manager, was closed to the public Wednesday as staff and volunteers received grief counselling.

“Jeannine made a profound difference in the lives of abused and neglected animals both as an animal protection officer – her true calling – and as manager of the North Cariboo Branch,” said BC SPCA CEO Craig Daniell.

While branch manager, Woodhouse saw the need for a spay/neuter program in the northern communities and her lobbying efforts paid off when she was on hand for the opening of the society’s Prince George Spay/Neuter Clinic in 2005, he said. The clinic has performed more than 14,000 surgeries for shelter and community animals since it opened.

Woodhouse also demonstrated her dedication and commitment to the animals during the Okanagan fires of 2003, when she worked tirelessly alongside her colleagues to rescue and reunite with their guardians the thousands of companion and farm animals who were left behind when residents were forced from their homes by the threat of fire.

“Jeannine was a driven and passionate cruelty investigator who was guided in life by an abiding belief in the humane treatment of animals,” said chief animal protection officer Shawn Eccles. “She will be missed by the people and the animals whose lives she so generously and so positively touched.”

It is believed that this tragedy marks the first time an SPCA cruelty investigator has been killed during the course of their work.

Police say the southbound Ford pickup, driven by Woodhouse, had crossed the centre line in a curve and had a head-on collision with the northbound Honda Accord, driven by Westergard.

The RCMP say both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and alcohol was not a factor. The road was bare and dry and in good condition, and the weather was clear and sunny with excellent visibility.

The BC Coroner’s Service attended the scene and it and the RCMP will continue its investigation. A traffic analyst from Prince George is also assisting.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and speak to the investigators. The Williams Lake detachment can be reached at 250-392-6211.