As of May 2025, South Carolina does not have a statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering dogs outside. However, the state has general animal cruelty laws that can apply if the tethering is deemed inhumane or causes harm to the animal.
There have been proposals and legislative panels recommending new statewide rules to restrict long-term dog chaining, but these have not yet become law.
Animal Cruelty Laws and Tethering
Under existing South Carolina law, cruelty to animals is illegal. If a pet is left chained in a way that causes injury, illness, or denies access to adequate food, water, or shelter, the owner could face animal cruelty charges.
While there is no specific state statute detailing how or when a dog may be tethered, cruel or neglectful tethering can be prosecuted under these broader cruelty laws.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Many Counties and Cities
Many local governments in South Carolina have passed their own ordinances with much stricter rules on tethering and chaining pets:
- Central, SC: It is illegal to tie or chain a dog to a stationary object at any time, whether on private or public property.
- Florence County: Tethering is only allowed if specific conditions are met (e.g., minimum distance from roads, minimum age and health of the dog, proper shelter). Violations can result in misdemeanor charges and fines.
- Georgetown County: New laws require that tethers be of a certain length and that animals have shelter and space. Fines start at $100 for a first offense.
- Greenville and Spartanburg: Ordinances limit how long and under what conditions a dog can be tethered, and ban certain types of collars and tethers.
These local laws often include requirements for:
- Minimum space for movement
- Prohibitions on certain types of collars (e.g., choke or prong collars)
- Minimum age for tethering
- Access to food, water, and shelter
Proposed Statewide Changes
There are ongoing efforts to pass statewide regulations on dog tethering. Proposed laws would require:
- Access to food, water, and shelter
- Sufficient space for movement
- Time limits on how long a dog can be tethered
- Prohibitions on certain types of tethers and collars
As of now, these proposals have not been enacted, but there is growing momentum for change.
Penalties for Violations
- State Law: Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor and can result in fines or jail time, especially if the tethering causes harm.
- Local Ordinances: Fines typically start at $100 and can increase for repeat offenses. Jail time is possible for severe or repeated violations.
Summary Table: Tethering Laws in South Carolina
| Area | Statewide Law | Local Ordinances | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | No outright ban; cruelty laws apply | Varies widely; many cities/counties have strict rules | Fines, jail for cruelty |
| Central, SC | – | Complete ban on chaining | Fines, possible jail |
| Florence County | – | Tethering allowed only with strict conditions | $100–$500 fine, jail |
| Georgetown County | – | Minimum tether length, shelter required | $100+ fines |
| Greenville/Spartanburg | – | Time limits, collar/tether rules | Fines, possible jail |
Bottom Line
- It is not outright illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in South Carolina, but cruel or neglectful tethering can be prosecuted as animal cruelty.
- Many cities and counties have much stricter rules-in some places, it is completely illegal to chain a dog outside.
- Always check your local ordinances before tethering a pet, and ensure your animal has adequate food, water, shelter, and space.
- Legislative efforts are ongoing to create uniform statewide standards, but for now, local laws are often more restrictive and actively enforced.
Sources:
- https://www.nhes.org/south-carolina-may-first-state-ban-law-dog-chaining/
- https://apat.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/AnimalAbuseProsecution/StateCrueltyLaws/2024/APA%20Animal%20Cruelty%20Case%20Law%20Summary%20SC%20REV%20Jul2024.pdf
- https://wpde.com/news/local/new-dog-tethering-kenneling-laws-enforced-in-georgetown-county
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/central-south-carolina/