GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello has been awarded this week for her work protecting animal welfare. Last year Aiello was a leader in the creation of the Animal Protection Task Force and was honored by the Animal Control Officers Association. This year, Aiello is the recipient of the Frances M. Wells Award from the Dakin Humane Society.
From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:
Northwestern ADA honored for work protecting animals
Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Erin Aiello was awarded this week with Dakin Humane Society recognition for her “outstanding work on behalf of animals.”
Accompanied by Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan, Aiello received her award on Sept. 11 at a reception at Dakin Humane Society at 171 Union Street, Springfield.
“Erin is a fierce advocate for the welfare of animals. She trains people nationally to use best practices in their efforts to ensure proper treatment of animals,” said DA Sullivan. “We are fortunate to have her in the office and in our community.”
In 2023, Aiello led the charge to create an Animal Protection Task Force in the Northwestern District to strengthen and better coordinate the work of animal welfare professionals in Hampshire and Franklin counties by offering support and free training.
“Erin’s leadership in establishing the task force was forward thinking and inspired,” Sullivan added.
In her remarks at the reception, Aiello noted that the work to protect animals is a community endeavor that requires a great deal of collaboration and cooperation. “It really is all hands on deck,” she said. “The DA’s support has been instrumental in the creation of the task force.”
In a letter announcing Aiello’s award, Kaitlyn Holloway, community engagement manager for Dakin Humane Society, wrote: “This award is a well-deserved acknowledgement of your outstanding work on behalf of animals and the people who care about them. We at Dakin are incredibly proud to have you as part of our community.”
Individuals are nominated across multiple Humane Award categories with a panel of judges selecting the winners. The panel chose Aiello as recipient of the Frances M. Wells Award, given to an individual for notable contributions to the health and welfare of animals.
Aiello has been a prosecutor in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit for five years. Previously, she worked in the Plymouth County and Bristol County District Attorney’s offices.
In 2023, she was honored for her work advocating for animal safety by the Animal Control Officers Association of Massachusetts.