If you’re a pet owner in South Carolina, you need to know that leaving your dog or pet chained outside could land you in legal trouble—depending on where you live.
While South Carolina does not have a statewide ban on chaining or tethering pets, many cities and counties have strict local laws in place to protect animals from cruelty and neglect.
Let’s break down what the law says and how it applies across different parts of South Carolina.
What South Carolina State Law Says
There is no single law in South Carolina that completely bans chaining or tethering pets across the entire state. However, animal cruelty laws still apply. This means if your pet is chained up in a way that causes pain, injury, or serious risk, you could be charged with neglect or abuse.
Still, most rules about chaining pets come from local city or county laws, not the state level.
City and County Rules You Should Know
Central, South Carolina
In Central, SC, the law is very clear: you cannot chain, tie, or tether your dog at all, whether you’re at home or anywhere within town limits. This is one of the strictest pet restraint laws in the state.
Florence County
Florence County allows tethering only under strict conditions:
The dog must be at least 6 months old
The tether must be safe, not painful, and at least 15 feet away from roads
Dogs must not be sick, injured, or tied in a way that risks escape
If you own more than one dog, each must be tethered separately
Breaking these rules is a misdemeanor and can lead to 30 days in jail or fines up to $500
York County
In York County, the rules are also strict:
You cannot chain your dog unless you’re outside with them at all times
Chains must not weigh more than 10% of the dog’s weight
Tethers must be at least 10 feet long and must not cause harm or get tangled
Dogs must be brought indoors during extreme cold
These rules aim to keep pets safe and comfortable—even when they’re outdoors.
General Best Practices for Tethering Pets
Even in places without a full ban, you must meet certain basic care standards when tethering a pet:
Provide clean water and adequate shelter
Avoid chaining during extreme heat or cold
Tethers must be long enough (10 to 15 feet is common) and safe to use
The tether should never cause injury or restrict movement
Failure to meet these basic needs could result in animal cruelty charges, even if tethering itself isn’t illegal in your area.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
If you violate tethering laws in cities like Central or York County, you could face:
Fines of up to $500
Jail time (usually up to 30 days for a misdemeanor)
Having your pet removed if authorities believe it’s in danger
It’s always safer to check your local ordinances or contact animal control to make sure you’re following the law.
In South Carolina, chaining or tethering pets is not completely banned statewide, but many cities and counties have their own rules. In places like Central and York County, chaining is almost completely illegal unless strict conditions are met. Violating these laws can lead to fines, jail time, and charges of animal cruelty.
If you’re a pet owner in South Carolina, it’s best to avoid chaining your dog outside—especially without supervision, shelter, or during bad weather.
Not only could it harm your pet, but it could also get you into legal trouble. Always follow your local laws to keep your pets safe—and keep yourself protected too.
[1] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/central-south-carolina/
[2] https://humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org/pet-owners/animal-protection-laws-in-york-county-sc.html
[3] https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/florence-county-south-carolina/
