LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Samantha Mullen, distinguished citizen and devoted member of her commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those citi-
zens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served
to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Samantha Mullen of Glenmont, New York, passed away on Friday,
December 21, 2012; and
WHEREAS, During her years in college, Samantha Mullen studied and
traveled throughout Europe, spending considerable time in France and
earning her Ph.D. in French; and
WHEREAS, After teaching for many years at SUNY New Paltz, Samantha
Mullen left to pursue her true passion, animal rights and protection;
and
WHEREAS, Samantha Mullen worked extensively with her local animal
shelter before accepting the position of Administrator of the New York
State Humane Association (NYSHA), which she held from the mid-1980s to
1994; and
WHEREAS, During this time, Samantha Mullen coordinated and led numer-
ous animal cruelty investigations and rescues, including successfully
directing efforts which shut down one of the largest animal hoarders in
the country at the time; and
WHEREAS, In 1994, an opportunity to assist animals and pursue more
widespread animal protection efforts presented itself and Samantha
Mullen then became the Director of Animal Care and Sheltering at the
Humane Society of the United States, currently the largest animal
protection organization in the country with 800,000 members within New
York State and 11 million nationwide; and
WHEREAS, In her position at the Humane Society of the United States,
among many other achievements, Samantha Mullen aided in the extensive
rescue efforts of the hundreds of thousands of animals affected by
Hurricane Katrina; and
WHEREAS, Upon her retirement in 2007, Samantha Mullen returned to New
York State and to her work at NYSHA, rejoining the Board of Directors
and chairing the Legislation Committee; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her years in New York State, Samantha Mullen
worked extensively to aid in successfully enacting numerous animal
protection laws including those addressing humane euthanasia, wildlife
defense and preservation, animal fighting, spay and neuter programs and
shelter standards; and
WHEREAS, Using her immense knowledge of animal-related statutes and
regulations and the realities of implementation on the ground-level,
Samantha Mullen became an important educator, teaching fellow animal
advocates, government officials, particularly in the Legislature, and
law enforcement about animal protection, existing law and goals for the
future; and
WHEREAS, Samantha Mullen is survived by her sister-in-law, Evelyn
Mullen; one nephew, Doug Mullen; two nieces, Cathy Marion and Dianne
Gillon; her adoring cat, Muffin; and countless doting friends; and
WHEREAS, Endowed with a kind spirit and imbued with a deep sense of
compassion, Samantha Mullen leaves behind a legacy that will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all indi-
viduals she has instructed and assisted throughout the years; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Samantha Mullen, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Samantha Mullen.