Spartanburg County, SC Animal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/Neuter (2026)

County Code § 6-18(b) makes it a misdemeanor for the owner of an un-neutered pet to let it run at large: a first offense draws a fine up to $50 plus court costs, a second up to $100, and a third or later offense up to $200 plus costs or up to 30 days in jail, or both. Section 6-18(c) sets a lighter schedule for a neutered pet caught the same way: up to $25 for a first offense, $50 for a second, and $100 for a third or later offense. An owner charged under the un-neutered schedule who has the pet neutered before the original trial date, or within 30 days after, is treated under the lower neutered-pet fine schedule instead, and the trial judge can grant extra time to pay. The owner carries the burden of proving the pet has been neutered.

Separately, § 6-16(b) bars the shelter from adopting out any pet impounded as a stray or abandoned unless it has been neutered, 'unless this requirement is waived by the animal shelter on recommendation of a veterinarian.' All required adoption fees must be paid at the time of adoption under § 6-16(a).

Dogs participating in hunting, obedience trials, conformation shows, tracking tests, herding trials, lure coursing or agility trials are not counted as 'at large' for these fines under § 6-18(d). The county's animal control/environmental enforcement litter officer enforces both provisions under § 6-5.