A Dog Called Dangerous
S.C. Code 47-3-710 and S.C. Code 47-3-760 — never for its breed alone, a locked pen, and fifty thousand dollars of insurance or bond
A dangerous animal is a dog or cat the owner knows or should know is inclined to attack unprovoked or endanger people or domestic animals, one that makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury to a person away from where it is required to be confined, one whose unprovoked acts there make a person reasonably believe it will attack, or one kept or trained for fighting.
Never for its breed alone. An animal is not dangerous solely because of its breed or species. Nor is an animal used only for agriculture, or one that attacks a person who is trespassing or appears to be.
A dangerous animal may not go unconfined on its owner's premises: it is kept securely indoors or in a securely enclosed fence or locked pen, clearly marked, built to keep the public and children out and the animal in. Off the premises it must be safely restrained, wearing its tag.
Registration, with insurance or a bond. The owner registers the animal with the local law enforcement authority of the county of residence, with proof of liability insurance or a surety bond of at least $50,000 for personal injuries the animal inflicts. The county issues a metal tag, worn on its collar or harness at all times.
- Breaking the confinement, restraint or registration rule, or owning a dangerous animal that injures a domestic animal: a misdemeanor, a fine of up to $200 or up to thirty days for a first offense, and a $1,000 fine for a later one.
- Owning a dangerous animal that makes an unprovoked attack injuring a person away from its confinement: a misdemeanor, a fine of up to $5,000 or up to three years for a first offense, and a felony, up to $10,000 or up to five years, for a later one.
A dangerous animal that attacks may be ordered destroyed when the court finds it a continuing threat of serious harm, and a person found guilty pays the costs of seizure, boarding, the victim's medical expenses and destruction. Civil remedies remain alongside the article. A particular dog is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (4)
- S.C. Code 47-3-710 — Dangerous animals; definitions
- S.C. Code 47-3-720 — Dangerous animal not to go unconfined on premises
- S.C. Code 47-3-730 — Dangerous animal not permitted beyond premises unless safely restrained
- S.C. Code 47-3-760 — Penalties; registration of dangerous animals
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.