Dorchester County does not license exotic pets itself; ownership is governed by South Carolina law. S.C. Code Section 47-2-30 flatly prohibits keeping large wild cats, non-native bears, and great apes, and the SC Department of Natural Resources regulates native wildlife.
Dorchester County's animal chapter addresses dogs, cats, livestock, and nuisance animals rather than exotics, so exotic-animal ownership turns on state law. S.C. Code Section 47-2-30 makes it unlawful to import, possess, purchase, breed, or sell a large wild cat, non-native bear, or great ape, meaning lions, tigers, cougars, non-native bears, chimpanzees, gorillas, and the like, with narrow exceptions for USDA-licensed holders and pre-2018 owners who registered. Native and many other wild species are managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources through its permit system, and keeping native wildlife generally requires a DNR permit. Escaped exotic animals create public-safety emergencies, and owners are liable for any harm.
Possessing a prohibited large wild cat, non-native bear, or great ape violates S.C. Code Section 47-2-30 and the animal may be confiscated. Keeping native wildlife without a required SC DNR permit brings state penalties, plus owner liability for escapes.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Dorchester County, SC
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Dorchester County, SC
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Dorchester County, SC
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Dorchester County, SC
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