State will give dog licensing to towns

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Dog licensing will change across New York State with the new year, but you might not notice the difference. But here's the information you might need to know.

If you own a dog, you are required by state law to license it. But Albany is getting ready to transfer the entire responsibility for licensing to local municipalities. Towns will keep all the fees now.

In Buffalo, a license ranges between $12 and $20 per year depending on whether your pet is spayed or neutered. The process can even be completed through the mail and ensures the dog has an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

Pete Tripi of the Erie County Health Department said, "Licensing will still be mandated by law. The only difference is, is that it will be administrated through your local municipality. So your bill will come directly from them. There is no difference from the requirements, the animals still must be registered by at least six months and they must have a current rabies vaccination."

"The same local government that was administering the program before will now take over the whole program collect all of the fees and keep all of the fees," added Tripi.

The transfer of responsibility is expected to take effect on January 1.