Finally, some good news!
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/post_12.html
Dakin humane society to buy former MSPCA facility in Springfield
By PETER GOONAN
Thursday April 30, 2009, 9:47 AM
SPRINGFIELD - A private humane society will purchase the former MSPCA-Western New England Animal Care and Adoption Center on Union Street, and reopen in August as a regional animal facility.
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society of Leverett announced the pending $1.2 million purchase from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during a press conference Thursday morning at the building, 171 Union St.
The MSPCA had closed the building a month ago, citing financial hardships including devastating losses to the agency's endowment fund.
The MSPCA was marketing the building for $4.8 million, but agreed to sell it at the discount price due to the "great care and great service" that Dakin offers, said MSPCA President Carter Luke, who attended the press conference.
The sale is "very joyful," he said.
Dakin is a private, nonprofit agency that has provided shelter, education, advocacy and assistance for animals in Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Leslie A. Harris, executive director of Dakin, said the agency has been looking for a new location, and looks forward to expanding its services to its new three-county area, with the addition of Hampden County.
Dakin will not operate a hospital at the Union Street site. MSPCA had closed the existing hospital in 2007, and the area will be used for other purposes, including a spay-neutering center.
Dakin's adoption center in Leverett will remain open, but it plans to close an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Greenfield, Harris said.
Dakin is financed by private funds and will conduct fundraising efforts and community outreach, officials said.
Ian T. Vukovich, a member of Dakin's board of directors, said the expansion is "a little intimidating, but exciting."
Harris said it is undetermined how many new employees will be needed, but former employees of the MSPCA will be encouraged to apply for the jobs. The closing of the MSPCA in March resulted in 17 employees losing their jobs.
Dakin humane society to buy former MSPCA facility in Springfield
By PETER GOONAN
Thursday April 30, 2009, 9:47 AM
SPRINGFIELD - A private humane society will purchase the former MSPCA-Western New England Animal Care and Adoption Center on Union Street, and reopen in August as a regional animal facility.
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society of Leverett announced the pending $1.2 million purchase from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during a press conference Thursday morning at the building, 171 Union St.
The MSPCA had closed the building a month ago, citing financial hardships including devastating losses to the agency's endowment fund.
The MSPCA was marketing the building for $4.8 million, but agreed to sell it at the discount price due to the "great care and great service" that Dakin offers, said MSPCA President Carter Luke, who attended the press conference.
The sale is "very joyful," he said.
Dakin is a private, nonprofit agency that has provided shelter, education, advocacy and assistance for animals in Hampshire and Franklin counties.
Leslie A. Harris, executive director of Dakin, said the agency has been looking for a new location, and looks forward to expanding its services to its new three-county area, with the addition of Hampden County.
Dakin will not operate a hospital at the Union Street site. MSPCA had closed the existing hospital in 2007, and the area will be used for other purposes, including a spay-neutering center.
Dakin's adoption center in Leverett will remain open, but it plans to close an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Greenfield, Harris said.
Dakin is financed by private funds and will conduct fundraising efforts and community outreach, officials said.
Ian T. Vukovich, a member of Dakin's board of directors, said the expansion is "a little intimidating, but exciting."
Harris said it is undetermined how many new employees will be needed, but former employees of the MSPCA will be encouraged to apply for the jobs. The closing of the MSPCA in March resulted in 17 employees losing their jobs.