Dorchester County, SC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- At Large
- Prohibited off property
- Control
- Leash, voice, or secure fence
- Rabies
- Required at 4 months
- Tethering
- Regulated (Sec. 4-8)
- Penalty
- Up to $500 / 30 days
Summary
Dorchester County's Animal Control Ordinance (Chapter 4) bars any animal from running at large off the owner's property, requires rabies vaccination at four months, and regulates tethering. Violations carry fines up to $500 or 30 days, each day a separate offense.
Animal at large means any animal, other than a non-fertile cat, which is not under the control, custody, charge or possession of the owner or other responsible person, by leash, chain, effective voice command, secure fence or other means of confinement or restraint.
Full Breakdown
Under Dorchester County Code Section 4-7, it is unlawful to willfully or negligently let an animal run at large on public property or another person's property. Section 4-2 defines an animal at large as one not under control by leash, chain, effective voice command, secure fence, or other restraint, so a reliably voice-controlled dog is not automatically loose. Every dog and cat four months or older must be rabies-vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian (Section 4-5) and wear a durable owner-identification tag (Section 4-6). Section 4-8 limits tethering, including a work-load and collar-safety standard. Animal control officers enforce the chapter and may contract impoundment to Dorchester PAWS.
Violations & Fines
An animal at large may be impounded and the owner cited under Section 4-7. Conviction carries a fine up to $500 or 30 days jail, each day a separate offense (Section 4-14). Unvaccinated impounded animals are held until inoculated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog have to be on a leash?
Is rabies vaccination required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dorchester County
Compare Dorchester County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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