MSPCA closes; economy goes to the dogs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - - With the economy going to the dogs, the MSPCA has too fallen victim. The shelter is the latest in a string of business in the City of Homes forced to shut its doors.

In less than two months the MSPCA will be closed and over a dozen workers will be looking for new work. But it also means a lot less people coming into Springfield to do other business and it's creating cause for concern.

Fewer dollars are changing hands these days and small businesses are struggling.

Rico Daniele is one small business owner who started Mom and Ricos specialty food store 33 years ago. After he heard the MSPCA was shutting down, Daniele feared the latest closure would eat away at his bottom line too.

This, after Springfield staples Boston Seafood's and Kavanagh Furniture store were forced to fold.

And while the ailing economy will surely claim more victims, Russell Denver of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce said there is incentive to bring businesses to Springfield.

"The Chamber has run a great program to give businesses up to five thousand dollars to move into vacant store fronts. We've put over one hundred new businesses in vacant store fronts in Springfield over the past few years," said Denver.

Once all the federal stimulus money is on the street, Denver predicts theres going to be a positive impact on employment in Massachusetts and western Massachusetts.

The Union Street MSPCA animal shelter was built in 1996, making it a state-of-the-art facility. The animal hospital closed in 2007 and had been unable to rent out the space. But Denver believes it could be a great spot for a community health center.

The animal care and adoption center is slated to close March 31.