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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Leash law
No blanket leash mandate countywide
Rule
No running at large off your property
Citation
Horry County Code § 4-3(d)(1)
State backup
S.C. Code § 47-3-50
Tether minimum
8-foot swivel, 1-inch collar

Summary

Unincorporated Horry County has no citywide leash mandate, but it is unlawful to let a dog run at large off property you own, rent, or control. A dog off-premises must be leashed or under the owner's physical control.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person responsible for an animal, with the exception of TNR program cats, shall allow his animal to run at large off of property owned, rented or controlled by him.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Horry County Code § 4-3(d)(1) makes it unlawful to let an animal run at large off property you own, rent, or control (community-cat TNR program excepted). Section 4-3(c) also bars letting an animal create a public nuisance by chasing vehicles, molesting people, or running at large while in heat. Statewide, S.C. Code § 47-3-50 defines a dog as "running at large" when off the owner's premises and not under physical control by a leash or similar device. Tethering is separately regulated: § 4-3(d)(2) permits it only with a buckle collar or harness at least one inch wide, an eight-foot swivel tether under 10% of body weight, water and shelter, and never during extreme weather.

Violations & Fines

Prosecuted by an animal control officer; punishable under Code § 1-8. A magistrate may order a vicious animal impounded or humanely disposed of after a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Horry County require dogs on a leash?
Not universally. The rule is that a dog cannot run at large off property you own, rent, or control, and off-premises it must be leashed or physically controlled (S.C. Code § 47-3-50).
Are these rules countywide?
Chapter 4 covers unincorporated Horry County. Incorporated cities like Myrtle Beach and Conway set their own leash and animal rules under § 4-2.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsHome Business: Cottage Food OperationsHeavy RestrictionsHome Business: Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Massage EstablishmentsSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Boat Dock PermitsSome Restrictions

All Horry County rules

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