Rock Hill, SC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

The South Carolina Large Wild Cat, Non-Native Bear, and Great Ape Act (S.C. Code §§ 47-2-10 to 47-2-160) makes it unlawful for a person to possess, own, sell, transfer, breed, or otherwise acquire any large wild cat, non-native bear, or great ape, with a narrow grandfather clause for animals registered with local animal-control authorities before January 1, 2018. Grandfathered owners must pay $500 per site and $100 per animal annually, maintain veterinary records and microchip identification, file an escape contingency plan, and meet federal Animal Welfare Act standards. Section 47-2-150 expressly authorizes counties and municipalities to adopt ordinances more restrictive than the state chapter. The City of Rock Hill has not enacted a separate exotic-animal chapter that overlays the state ban, but the City retains authority under Chapter 6 to cite owners whose exotic or wild animals create a public nuisance or fit the dangerous-animal definition in § 6-31. South Carolina venomous-snake possession is regulated under S.C. Code § 50-15-10 et seq. (non-game and endangered species) and SCDNR rules; primates outside the great-ape group, foxes, and raccoons are subject to SCDNR captive-wildlife permitting under Title 50, Chapter 16. Common reptiles, parrots, and ferrets remain lawful in Rock Hill subject to federal CITES and USDA-APHIS rules. USDA-licensed zoos, accredited sanctuaries (GFAS), and DHEC-licensed research facilities are the principal exceptions to the state ban.