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Horry County, SC Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Hoarding law
No specific county ordinance
Care standard
Horry County Code § 4-3(b)
State cruelty
S.C. Code § 47-1-40
First offense
Up to 90 days, $100–$1,000 fine
Seizure
Animals in danger may be impounded

Summary

Horry County has no standalone animal-hoarding ordinance, but its care standards and South Carolina's cruelty law reach hoarding conditions. Depriving animals of necessary food, water, shelter, or vet care is illegal, and neglected animals can be seized.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person who knowingly or intentionally overloads, overdrives, overworks, or ill-treats an animal, deprives an animal of necessary sustenance or shelter, inflicts unnecessary pain or suffering upon an animal ... is guilty of a misdemeanor.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Because no ordinance uses the word "hoarding," enforcement runs through care standards and cruelty law. Horry County Code § 4-3(b) requires anyone keeping an animal to provide sufficient food and water, proper shelter, and veterinary care when needed, with clean containment free of accumulated waste. Statewide, S.C. Code § 47-1-40(A) makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly or intentionally ill-treat an animal or deprive it of necessary sustenance or shelter; torture or cruel killing is a felony under § 47-1-40(B). County animal control may impound animals in immediate danger, and where 25+ animals are offered for sale the operation is regulated as a breeder under § 4-12.

Violations & Fines

First-offense cruelty under § 47-1-40(A): up to 90 days or a $100–$1,000 fine; felony cruelty under § 47-1-40(B): 180 days to 5 years and a $5,000 fine. Animals may be seized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is animal hoarding illegal in Horry County?
There is no hoarding-specific ordinance, but depriving animals of necessary food, water, shelter, or care violates § 4-3(b) and S.C. cruelty law § 47-1-40, and neglected animals can be seized.
What are the penalties for animal neglect?
Under § 47-1-40(A), first-offense ill-treatment is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days or a $100–$1,000 fine; torture or cruel killing is a felony with far harsher penalties.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsBeekeepingSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsPet Store RulesHeavy RestrictionsMicrochippingSome RestrictionsBird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsWildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsExotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsVeterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsHome Business: Cottage Food OperationsHeavy RestrictionsHome Business: Zoning & Home Occupation PermitsSome RestrictionsBusiness Licensing & Operations: Massage EstablishmentsSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Boat Dock PermitsSome Restrictions

All Horry County rules

Compare Horry County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview

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