Spartanburg County, SC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 6-18(a) states plainly that all pets must be kept under restraint as defined by this chapter, and that any pet not so restrained will be deemed running or roaming at large in the unincorporated area of the county. Section 6-2 defines 'under restraint' broadly: controlled by a chain, leash or other restraining device; close enough to the owner or handler to obey commands directly; on the owner's own property or on someone else's with permission; or secured inside a vehicle that is parked or being driven.

Dogs engaged in hunting, obedience trials, conformation shows, tracking tests, herding trials, lure coursing or agility trials are not treated as 'at large' under § 6-18(d), regardless of restraint. When a readily identifiable pet is found roaming, § 6-18(f) requires animal control to make a reasonable effort to return it to the owner and issue a written warning on the first return; only on a later violation does the pet become subject to impoundment and the fine schedule in § 6-18(b)-(c). If an owner cannot be found, the animal is impounded outright. Redemption from the shelter under § 6-15 requires proof of a current rabies vaccination, proper identification, and payment of a boarding fee plus a redemption fee that rises from $85 for a first offense to $250 for a fifth or later offense.