Columbia, SC Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Sec. 4-91 otherwise makes it a misdemeanor to own, keep or exhibit any wild or feral animal within Columbia, defined to include nondomestic cats, wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, coyotes, foxes, badgers, raccoons, bears, primates, bats, alligators, scorpions, venomous reptiles and large lizards, among others. ' The other three exceptions in the same subsection cover public zoos, bona fide educational or medical institutions, humane societies and museums keeping specimens for viewing, research or instruction; bona fide traveling circuses, carnivals or shows properly licensed under state and local law; and bona fide, licensed veterinary hospitals treating the animal.

A rescue operating under this exemption still needs the 'appropriate' state or local permit for the species it holds; the ordinance does not create a separate city wildlife-rescue license of its own, deferring instead to whatever state or local regulatory body issues the underlying rehabilitation authorization. An organization that keeps wild animals without holding that permit is not covered by the exemption and remains exposed to the same misdemeanor penalties as any other person under Sec. 00 fine plus 30 days for a repeat offense.