Beaufort County, SC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 14-44(a) defines an exotic animal broadly: one ordinarily confined to a zoo, ordinarily found in the wild here or elsewhere, not indigenous to the United States or North America, or one that would reasonably make a person fearful of significant property destruction or bodily harm, expressly listing monkeys, raccoons, squirrels, ocelots, bobcats, lions, tigers, bears and wolves as examples, along with any animal causing zoonotic disease. The definition further captures nonvenomous reptiles and mammals over 50 pounds at maturity classified in law as Ferae Naturae (wild by nature).

The definition specifically excludes species customarily kept in South Carolina as ordinary household pets or domestic farm animals, aquarium fish, birds and insects. Section 14-44(b) then makes it unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to import into Beaufort County any venomous reptile or any other exotic animal as defined. ), entities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America, USDA Class C exhibitor facilities licensed under the Animal Welfare Act for exhibitions not exceeding seven days in a 52-week period, and team mascots for a university or educational facility.

Because the ordinance targets importation rather than possession outright, the practical effect is that an exotic or venomous animal already lawfully present before the prohibition applied is not independently addressed by this section; enforcement and any resulting penalties fall under chapter 14's general framework.