ITHACA -- Animal advocates are voicing concerns over a proposed cut to the state budget that would switch responsibility for dog licenses and tags from the state to the local level.

Governor Paterson's office says eliminating the state's role in dog licensing would save the state $157,000 a year. However, opponents fear the lack of a statewide licensing system would hinder animal cruelty investigations and take away funds currently used to help prevent overpopulation.

Currently the state's spay and neuter fund is financed by a $3 surcharge on each dog license. Advocates say the fund would be lost if the state stops issuing dog licenses.