South Carolina law makes it unlawful to possess, breed, or sell a large wild cat, non-native bear, or great ape, with narrow exceptions. This state ban applies throughout Horry County; the county sets no additional exotic-pet ordinance.
Horry County Code Chapter 4 does not separately regulate exotic pets, so the governing rule is state law. S.C. Code § 47-2-30(A) prohibits importing, possessing, keeping, purchasing, breeding, or selling a large wild cat (lions, tigers, cougars, etc.), a non-native bear, or a great ape. Limited exceptions cover USDA-licensed facilities, sanctuaries, and animals lawfully possessed before January 1, 2018 (which had to be registered). Other native wildlife is regulated by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Turtles are separately addressed locally under Horry County Code § 4-11.
Violating the state exotic-animal ban is a criminal offense; illegally held animals may be confiscated by authorities under Title 47, Chapter 2.
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Horry County, SC
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See how Horry County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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