Greenville County, SC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- dog must be leashed or on owner's property
- Exceptions
- hunting, training on owner's land
- Tether height limit
- 7 feet on running lines
- Tether line length
- at least 20 feet
- Minimum tether age
- dogs 3+ months old
- First impound fee
- $85 plus boarding fee
Summary
Greenville County makes it unlawful for a dog owner to let the animal off the owner's property unless it is under physical control by leash or similar restraint, under County Code Sec. 4-18(1). The definitions in Sec. 4-11 spell out exactly what counts as running at large versus lawful restraint, including hunting and training exceptions.
It shall be unlawful in the county for any animal owner or other keeper of an animal to: (1) Allow his animal to run at large off property owned, rented or controlled by him... Running at large. Being off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device. ... Under restraint. An animal shall be deemed under restraint if it is on the premises of its owner or keeper; or is accompanied by its owner or keeper and under the physical control of such owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device; or under the active control of the owner or trainer while hunting or being trained, and while on property of the owner or with the property owner's permission.
Full Breakdown
Section 4-18 opens with a blanket rule making it unlawful for any animal owner or keeper to allow his animal to run at large off property owned, rented or controlled by him. The definitions in Sec. 4-11 do the heavy lifting on what that means. "Running at large" is defined as being off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device. The flip side, "under restraint," covers a dog on the premises of its owner or keeper, or accompanied by its owner or keeper and under physical control by leash or similar device, or under the active control of the owner or trainer while hunting or being trained on the owner's property or with the property owner's permission.
A dog hunting under its owner's active control, or training on the owner's own land, is not running at large even off-leash. Tethering a dog outdoors is separately regulated under Sec. 4-18(10). Tethering is banned outright except in park or camping areas, during lawful hunting, or on a running line, pulley or trolley system no higher than 7 feet off the ground with at least 20 feet of travel between stop points. Any tether must attach with a buckle-type collar or body harness of nylon, leather or other non-metallic material, only one dog per line, and dogs under 3 months old cannot be tethered at all.
Animal control may impound any dog found running at large under Sec. 4-15(a), and the owner must then pay a boarding fee plus an impoundment fee starting at $85 for a first offense under Sec. 4-15(d).
Violations & Fines
Letting a dog run at large violates Sec. 4-18(1) and is a misdemeanor under the general penalty in Sec. 4-23, punishable in magistrate's court with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. A dog picked up running at large may be impounded under Sec. 4-15(a), and the owner faces a boarding fee plus an escalating impoundment fee, from $85 for a first offense up to $250 for a fifth or later offense, before the dog is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog be off-leash in my own yard in Greenville County?
Is it legal to let my dog run loose while hunting?
What are the rules for tethering my dog outside?
What does it cost to get my dog back from the pound for running at large?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greenville County
Compare Greenville County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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