Leaving your pet chained or tethered outside in South Carolina is regulated by a mix of local ordinances and general animal cruelty laws, as there is currently no statewide law specifically banning or detailing the practice.
State Law Overview
- No Statewide Ban: South Carolina does not have a statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering dogs outside. However, animal cruelty laws may apply if the tethering is cruel or causes harm, such as denying access to food, water, or shelter.
- Proposed Legislation: Efforts have been made to pass statewide regulations on dog tethering, but as of now, such proposals have not become law.
Local Ordinances
Many cities and counties in South Carolina have their own specific rules:
- Central, SC: Chaining or tethering dogs to stationary objects is prohibited entirely within the town limits.
- Florence County: Tethering is only allowed under strict conditions, such as using a harness, a minimum tether length, and not during extreme weather. Violations can result in fines or jail time.
- Georgetown County: Dogs may be tethered only under certain conditions (age, tether length, shelter requirements), and violations carry fines.
- Greenville and Spartanburg: These areas have additional restrictions, such as time limits and requirements for owner presence.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Violating local tethering ordinances can lead to fines or, in some cases, jail time.
- Cruel tethering that leads to animal suffering can be prosecuted under state animal cruelty laws, even without a specific tethering statute.
Summary Table: Local Tethering Laws
| Location | Tethering Allowed? | Key Restrictions/Requirements | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | No | Complete ban on chaining/tethering | Not specified |
| Florence County | Yes (with limits) | Harness, min. 15 ft, weather, age, shelter | Fine/jail5 |
| Georgetown County | Yes (with limits) | Age, tether length, shelter, weather | Fines2 |
| Greenville/Spartanburg | Yes (with limits) | Time limits, owner presence, collar type | Not specified |
Bottom line: Whether it is illegal to leave your pet chained outside in South Carolina depends on your local laws. Many areas have strict rules or outright bans, and animal cruelty laws still apply statewide. Always check your city or county ordinances to ensure compliance.
Would you like information on the rules in a specific city or county?
