MSPCA Reacts to Collapsing Economy
Thursday, February 5, 2009

Non-Profit to Close Adoption Centers in Brockton, Martha's Vineyard and Springfield

Click here to for a list of Frequently Asked Questions during this transition.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) announced the closure of three of the non-profit’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers due to the challenging economy including the facilities in Brockton (Metro South), Martha’s Vineyard and Springfield (Western New England). The organization’s Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Boston, Centerville, Methuen and Nantucket will remain operational as will the hospitals in Boston and Nantucket. 

The closures will be coupled with the downsizing of several programs and departments at its Boston offices. All changes combined will result in elimination of 46 positions, impacting 38 people.

“Our entire staff has worked tirelessly to cut costs and streamline operations over the past year while continuing to provide outstanding care for thousands of animals in need,” said MSPCA president, Carter Luke. “Unfortunately our diligence has only partially protected us from the recession and collapsing markets. Losses in our endowment have been devastating. We lost 25.7% of our endowment in 2008; translating to over $11 million. This puts us in a position where we must now take action to ensure our long term financial health and ability as an animal welfare organization to serve the greatest good for animals across Massachusetts into the future.”

In 2007, the MSPCA closed its hospital in Springfield to curb losses. While the MSPCA’s Animal Care and Adoption Center maintained operations in a portion of the Springfield building, the MSPCA continued attempts to rent or sell the property, but without success. During this period, expenses for the MSPCA in Springfield were almost a million dollars more per year than income from services and contributions. This degree of loss reached a tipping point which necessitates closing the facility entirely to alleviate the financial impact on the entire organization.

The MSPCA will stagger the closure of its adoption centers, closing in Springfield effective March 31, 2009 and Martha’s Vineyard effective May 1, 2009. The Brockton adoption center will close effective September 30, 2009 with a phase down beginning in late March. Separation pay and outplacement services will be offered to all of the MSPCA’s dedicated and loyal employees to aid them in this difficult transition.

The MSPCA remains committed to the welfare of thousands of animals each year through its remaining non-profit facilities throughout Massachusetts. Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions during this transition.