Orangeburg County, SC Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed-neutral rule
- § 4-61 definition of "Dangerous"
- Determination authority
- Animal control director (§ 4-123(c))
- Required tag
- Collar marked "DANGEROUS"
- Insurance requirement
- Proof under S.C. Code § 47-3-760(E)
- Violation name
- Failure to control dangerous animal
- Penalty
- $250-$500 or 30-90 days
Summary
Orangeburg County does not regulate any dog breed as inherently dangerous. Sec. 4-61 states plainly that an animal shall not be deemed a dangerous animal solely by reason of its breed, and instead Sec. 4-123 imposes registration, tagging, muzzling and confinement duties on the keeper of any animal the director individually determines to be dangerous, regardless of breed.
Dangerous means an animal that evidences an abnormal inclination to attack humans or animals without provocation as set forth in S.C. Code 1976, § 47-3-10. An animal shall not be deemed a dangerous animal solely by reason of its breed. ... (1)Register the animal with the department which registration process shall include the proof of liability insurance or bond set forth in S.C. Code 1976, § 47-3-760(E);(2)Fasten a special, animal license tag issued by the department that identifies the animal as "DANGEROUS" to the animal's collar which collar shall be worn by the dangerous animal at all times; ... (6)Whenever the animal is outdoors and unattended, the keeper shall confine the animal in a locked enclosure suitable for confining a dangerous animal.
Full Breakdown
C. Code 1976, § 47-3-10. An animal shall not be deemed a dangerous animal solely by reason of its breed' (Sec. 4-61). Instead of banning or restricting breeds, the county regulates individual animals once the director of animal control makes a case-by-case dangerous determination under Sec. 4-123(c), which requires mailed notice to the keeper, or published notice if the mailed notice is returned. Once an animal is deemed dangerous, Sec. C. Code 1976, § 47-3-760(E); fasten a department-issued tag reading 'DANGEROUS' to the animal's collar at all times; report any change in ownership, keeper contact information or the animal's health; post a warning at every entry point of any structure housing the animal; and, whenever the animal is outdoors, keep it muzzled and leashed if attended, or confined in a locked, escape-proof, clearly marked enclosure if unattended.
Sec. 4-123(b) further bars the animal shelter from releasing a dangerous animal that has previously been redeemed after impoundment to anyone except a 501(c)(3) rescue equipped to accept dangerous animals. '
Violations & Fines
A keeper who fails to register, tag, muzzle, leash or securely confine a declared dangerous animal is charged with 'threat to public health - failure to control dangerous animal' under Sec. 4-123(a). Like other chapter 4 violations, a first offense draws a written warning or ordinance summons, escalating to a mandatory summons on any repeat, with fines of $250.00 to $500.00 or 30 to 90 days' imprisonment on conviction (Secs. 4-241, 4-242).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orangeburg County ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
What has to happen before my dog can be declared 'dangerous'?
What must I do once my dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orangeburg County
How Orangeburg County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Orangeburg County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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