York County, SC Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- At-large ban
- § 55.21(A) bars dogs running loose
- Minimum tether length
- 10 feet, swivels both ends
- Tether weight cap
- No more than 10% of dog's weight
- Fence/kennel minimum
- 6 feet by 10 feet
- First-offense fine
- $50, up to $100 later
Summary
York County bans letting a dog run loose off its owner's land. Section 55.21(A) makes it 'unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog or livestock to willfully or negligently permit any such animal to run at large,' and § 55.19 sets exact specs for any tether, trolley or restraint used to keep it on the property.
(A) It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog or livestock to willfully or negligently permit any such animal to run at large beyond the limits of his or her own land or the lands leased, occupied or controlled by him. ... (A) When a tether is utilized as a means of restraint, a responsible adult must be physically outdoors with their dog, and the dog must be under the owner's direct control. The tether must be at least ten feet in length, have swivels on both ends, and allow the animal to utilize the entire 360 degree circular area designated by the tether. The tether must allow the dog free access to food, water and shelter. Any tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog and shall weigh no more than 10% of the dogs estimated body weight.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
21(A) prohibits an owner or keeper from willfully or negligently letting a dog or livestock run beyond the limits of land they own, lease or control. 19 then spells out exactly how a dog may be restrained when it's not directly supervised. A tether must be at least ten feet long, have swivels at both ends, weigh no more than 10% of the dog's body weight, attach to a properly fitting collar or harness, and let the dog use the full 360-degree circle the tether allows while keeping access to food, water and shelter; a responsible adult must be outdoors with the dog whenever a tether is used.
Trolley systems must run at least three feet above the dog's head with at least ten feet of line and five feet of lateral movement on each side, and only one dog may be tied to a single trolley line. 19(I). An unspayed female dog must additionally be kept inside a building, secure fence or kennel to prevent contact with stray dogs. 21(G), and an animal control officer can remove and impound a dog even from its own yard if it has a pattern of getting loose and poses a danger to the public.
Violations & Fines
Keeping a dangerous or unruly dog unrestrained, or otherwise letting any dog or livestock run at large, is a misdemeanor under § 55.21(B)(1) and (B)(3): a $50 fine for a first offense and up to $100 for each later offense. Owners of trespassing livestock are also separately liable for damages and seizure or maintenance costs under § 55.21(C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tether my dog outside in York County?
What counts as a dog running 'at large' in York County?
How big must a dog fence or kennel be in York County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
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