South Carolina Livestock at Large: Fence-In Law (SC Code 47-7)

Under S.C. Code Section 47-7-110 the owner or manager of any domestic animal, cattle, horses, mules, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, commits a crime by willfully or negligently permitting the animal to roam past land he owns, leases, or controls. Conviction carries a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars or up to twenty-five days in jail per offense. Separately, Section 47-7-130 makes the owner of trespassing stock civilly liable for all damages plus the costs of seizure and maintenance, and Section 47-7-140 lets a landowner seize animals found on his premises until paid.

Each animal running at large is a separate misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $25 or up to 25 days in jail under 47-7-110, on top of full civil liability for crop, property, and roadway damage plus seizure and upkeep costs under 47-7-130 and 47-7-140.