Simpsonville, SC Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cat leash required
- No
- Counts toward pet limit
- Yes (4 per lot <1 acre)
- Feline impoundment
- Optional (Sec. 6-82(e))
- Rabies vaccination
- Required (S.C. 47-5-60)
- Nuisance standard
- Applies (Sec. 6-2)
Summary
Simpsonville does not require cats to be leashed, but cats count toward the four-animal-per-lot limit and must not become a nuisance. Animal control may, but is not required to, impound felines. Cats must be vaccinated against rabies under South Carolina law.
A pet owner must have his pet inoculated against rabies at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Full Breakdown
Simpsonville's leash rule (Sec. 6-7) applies to dogs, not cats, so cats are not required to be leashed. However, cats are 'animals' under Sec. 6-81 and count toward the four-animal cap on lots under one acre (Sec. 6-84) and the nuisance standard of Sec. 6-2. Sec. 6-82(e) gives the animal control officer authority to impound felines but does not require it, and directs the officer to assist citizens who wish to trap cats. Statewide, S.C. Code § 47-5-60 requires every pet owner, including cat owners, to keep pets inoculated against rabies to provide continuous protection.
Violations & Fines
A cat kept as a nuisance or beyond the four-animal cap is a misdemeanor per Sec. 6-84/Sec. 1-9. Rabies-vaccination failures are enforced under S.C. Code Title 47, Ch. 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats have to be leashed in Simpsonville?
Do cats need rabies shots?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
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