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South Carolina Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for South Carolina on
Q: Is it okay to bury a pet in my backyard in rural Dorchester County ( Sprucewood Drive, Sprucewood subdivision)?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 31, 2024

In Dorchester County, South Carolina, there are no specific laws or ordinances that prohibit burying a pet in your backyard. However, it is generally recommended to follow these guidelines to ensure public health and safety:

1. Choose a location that is far from any water sources, such as...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can I sue for emotional distress caused by an animal rescue adopting a dog out from under me?

We were strung along for days after being approved for adoption. 45min before we were supposed to get the dog I was as informed via text that he went to a foster and they’d have to see when they’d be available. Fast forward to the next day, I’ve still heard no word. So I reach out only to be... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 21, 2023

Like in most jurisdictions, South Carolina law considers dogs to be items of personal property like a TV set or a lamp. The value of a dog for purposes of legal damages is the fair market value of the dog at the time of the loss. As in most jurisdictions, SC law does not allow any recovery for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for South Carolina on
Q: neighbor's dog came inside of my house and attacked my dog badly. Who's responsibility is that.

They blame our nephews who is 4&5 years old left their back yard gate opened but there is no proof and no one saw that. Nephews are already inside of our house when the dog came in and attacked our dog Infront of them and our mom . We are asking them to pay the vet bill but they refused because... View More

Cheryl Ann Truesdale
Cheryl Ann Truesdale
answered on Dec 14, 2022

This isn't a family law question, it's a personal injury question. The owner of a dog is strictly liable for any injury or damage done by their dog. If the dog owner has renter's or homeowner's insurance, it will cover any damages caused by the dogs. You would need to file a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: Someone gifted my daughter a dog and we have raised him for three years. Now he wants him back , after three years
Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Jan 5, 2024

A gift is a gift, just don't voluntarily turn the dog over. He is unlikely to find a lawyer who will bring a case against you for it, but if he does obviously you may need to look into getting yourself a lawyer at that time.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for South Carolina on
Q: a dog keeps charges people and other animals. They have been told multiple times not to bring it out what can be done
Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Oct 2, 2022

In South Carolina there is strict liability for dog attacks. If someone is injured as a result of a dog attack (even in attempting to get away from a charging dog where there is no bite) the owner of the dog is responsible. Absent that, you might consider contacting your local animal control to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation, Small Claims and Personal Injury for South Carolina on
Q: I and my dog were detained by law enforcement in a hot car. Despite my pleas to please let us out or to give my dog

Water or to let me turn on my car to provide AC for my dog, the policemen would not let me do anything to help my dog despite me pleading with them. My dog died of heat stroke. Can I hold those policemen responsible for Bear's death? I may be reached at:

Roy Willey
Roy Willey
answered on Jun 7, 2022

I am so sorry that happened to you. As to a case, potentially, yes but generally in South Carolina pets are only reimbursed at “market value” as property. However, you may also have a case against them depending on the nature of your detention. Be advised state agencies are subject to a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for South Carolina on
Q: A person i was staying with has stolen 9 of my exotic birds. police wont help say it is civil. civil court is back loged

she is deliberating hidding them, i am afraid i will never see them again. please help

Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
Jonathan Edmond Bennett Lewis
answered on Oct 11, 2020

How did the woman come to obtain the birds?

Without knowing this, specifically whether you entrusted her with the birds and she refused to return them, whether she broke in to somewhere and took them without your permission or knowledge, etc., it’s impossible to examine whether there is a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: I'm a South Carolina dog groomer, I have a parrot whose owner not came back to pick up for 1 yr

Have not heard anything! Laws on abandoning

Ryan D Templeton
Ryan D Templeton
answered on Oct 5, 2020

Here is the process for selling the animal and getting to assert a lien against the sales proceeds for all costs that you have:

SECTION 29-15-60. Animal boarding facilities; liens upon animals for boarding expenses.

The owner of an animal boarding facility, at the end of an agreed...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: Whenever my ex and i broke up, he let me keep our dog on the weekends and sometimes during the week

Then out of no where he took the dog from me and refused to let me see him or get him for two years. He went to jail for about two months recently but contacted me before hand and asked me if i could keep our dog while he was in there. Now that hes out, hes wanting to come get the dog. If i dont... View More

Ryan D Templeton
Ryan D Templeton
answered on Apr 7, 2020

He would have to file a claim and delivery action in Magistrate Court to force you to return the dog. If you both have an ownership interest in the dog you have just as much right to keep the dog as he does. If on the other hand he can prove that he is the sole owner of the dog then the court would... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Municipal Law for South Carolina on
Q: we are allowing ebikes in our community which is about 6 sq miles and has about 2500 residents.

sc rules state that ebikes can go on paths, but our paths are for residents getting exercise who are generally 60+, children on bikes, residents with pets, casual bicylers, etc . we want to restrict bikes to the street and not the paths. can you help?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 22, 2020

You might not even need a lawyer. You could contact your local officials in the city council or town board and discuss your concerns with them. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: My 2 1/2 year old German Shepard Service Dog has been stolen from my property. Is this punishable by law? I know who did
Ryan D Templeton
Ryan D Templeton
answered on Oct 14, 2019

Absolutely. You will need to contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report so that they can start an investigation. You can also file a civil matter in Magistrates court to get your dog back from the person.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: Is there a statute of limitations for animal cruelty in South Carolina?

I took my neighbors dog from her 9 months ago because the dog was emaciated and had heat spots, the dog was kept in a burn barrel. Need to know if I can still call police and report her. Have pictures and all

Carole Jean Hayes
Carole Jean Hayes
answered on Mar 13, 2019

Absolutely call the police and the humane society. There is no statute of limitations on doing either.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Car Accidents for South Carolina on
Q: Am I liable if a Unleashed dog runs into the street and runs into my car
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 22, 2016

Generally no. They may be responsible for your property damage. Note also that a dogs "value" in most states is minimal.

However if they are making a claim you have an obligation to notify your insurance. Do not discuss on social media.Talk less, listen more if dealing with them.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: If my dogs attack another dog on street. Can owner sue me?
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
answered on Mar 3, 2016

They can always sue you, but unless you did something negligent they are not going to win.

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