NORWICH – With the retirement of long-time dog control officer Jeremy Stopford and the assumption of dog licensing duties by the city in 2011, city officials and the Norwich Police Department are asking local dog owners to keep their pets’ licensing up to date – particularly those who’ve recently moved into the city or added a new dog to their family.

Since a required civil service test will not be available until February of 2012, Police Chief Joseph Angelino and the city’s Common Council agreed the position of dog warden should remain vacant for the time being.

Until then, Code Enforcement will assist with all dog-related calls during business hours, with police officers responding after-hours and on weekends.

While Angelino said the department is aware of some unlicensed dogs located in the city, he’s hoping local residents will comply and make certain their pets are licensed, with their rabies shot record kept up to date.

“There’s a lot more to it than people think, mostly paperwork, and we’re doing the best we can,” stated Angelino. “We certainly don’t want the public to see any decrease in services and we’d like to see voluntary compliance.”