Animal Ordinances in Sumter County, SC (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Sumter County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Dog Leash Laws
In unincorporated Sumter County it is unlawful for a dog owner to let a dog run at-large off the owner's own property, and unlawful to let a female dog run at-large while in heat. Section 6-20 defines "running at-large" as any dog not under restraint, and every violation is a misdemeanor enforced by the Sheriff's Office and county animal control officers.
Sumter County Leash and At-Large Dog Law
Some RestrictionsSumter County Code § 6-20(a),(b)
(a)It shall be unlawful for any dog owner or other person with custody and control of a dog to allow his dog or a dog under his custody and control to run at-large off property owned, rented or controlled by such person within the unincorporated areas of the county.(b)It shall be unlawful in the county for any dog owner or person with custody and control of such dog to allow a female dog to run...
Cat Rules
Sumter County has no cat-specific licensing or at-large ordinance; the dog-control article expressly excludes cats. Instead, Sec. 6-85 and Sec. 6-86 fold cats into "pet," meaning any domesticated carnivore, and require every owned cat to carry a current rabies vaccination, certificate, and metal tag, and bar letting an unvaccinated cat run loose.
Sumter County Cat Rabies and At-Large Rule
Some RestrictionsSumter County Code §§ 6-85, 6-86(a),(i)
Pet means only domesticated species of carnivores. ... (a)No person shall own, keep, or harbor any pet within the county for longer than 60 days unless such pet has been inoculated against rabies as provided in this section. ... (i)It shall be unlawful for any owner of any pet which has not been inoculated as required by this division to allow it to run at-large.
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