NORWICH – Chenango County’s municipalities will be left on their own to adopt dog licensing laws and fee schedules after New York turns over the program at the end of the year.

A newly-formed association of town clerks previously requested county-level assistance to create an umbrella ordinance and fee schedule and also maintain a database of the canine population.

Upon the advice of lawmakers in committee, however, the association instead presented a resolution before the county board this month that would put local jurisdictions in charge. The measure also directed the Chenango County SPCA to license animals in the local municipality where they would eventually be harbored as well as turn over rabies certifications, proof of spray/neuter status and other pertinent information for licensure.