South Carolina Statewide Rule
South Carolina Fence-In Law for Neighbor Livestock (§47-7-110)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- S.C. Code § 47-7-110
- Range status
- Closed range (fence-in state)
- Who must fence
- Livestock owner, not neighbor
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $25 or 25 days
- Trespass liability
- Owner pays damages (§47-7-130)
Summary
South Carolina is a closed-range, fence-in state. Under S.C. Code Section 47-7-110 the livestock owner, not the adjoining neighbor, must confine animals; letting them run at large is a crime, and the stock owner pays for any trespass damage under Section 47-7-130.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or manager of any domestic animal of any description wilfully or negligently to permit any such animal to run at large beyond the limits of his own land or the lands leased, occupied or controlled by him.
Full Breakdown
Section 47-7-110 makes it unlawful for an owner or manager to willfully or negligently let any domestic animal run at large beyond his own land. Because South Carolina closed its open range, the duty to build and maintain a boundary fence falls on the animal's owner, not the neighbor next door: there is no statewide law forcing an adjoining landowner to share the cost of a division fence. Section 47-7-130 makes the owner of trespassing stock liable for all damages plus the expense of seizing and keeping the animals. Violations are prosecuted before the county magistrate.
Violations & Penalties
Letting an animal run at large violates Section 47-7-110 and is punishable by a fine not exceeding twenty-five dollars or up to twenty-five days in jail, plus civil liability for all trespass damage and impoundment costs under Section 47-7-130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my neighbor have to help pay for our boundary fence?
What if my neighbor's cattle break through and damage my land?
Sources
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