South Carolina Leash Laws

South Carolina has no general statewide leash law, but several state statutes restrict dogs running at large in specific situations, and local governments fill in the rest.

South Carolina leash law at a glance

What South Carolina state law says

• S.C. Code 47-3-10 defines running at large.
• It is also unlawful to keep a vicious or unruly dog without adequate restraint (47-3-50).
• Dogs engaged in hunting are exempt (50-11-780).

Local leash ordinances

Most leash rules people run into are local. Cities and counties commonly require dogs to be on a leash off the owner's property, set maximum leash lengths, and designate off-leash dog parks. Parks, beaches and trails often post their own rules.

Staying on the right side of the law

• Keep your dog leashed in public unless you are in a posted off-leash area.
• Make sure your dog wears a current license and rabies tag, since a loose dog without tags is the one most likely to be impounded.
• If your dog has been declared dangerous, stricter leash, muzzle and enclosure rules apply; see the dangerous dog section of South Carolina dog bite laws.
• A dog that runs loose and injures someone can create liability for the owner, so a leash is also your best protection.
• Leash training makes compliance easy; a local dog trainer can help with pulling and recall.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: South Carolina dog laws
2. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: State dog leash laws