Understanding Animal Tethering Laws in York and Lancaster Counties

While South Carolina lacks a comprehensive statewide law specifically regulating the chaining and tethering of animals, particularly dogs, both York and Lancaster Counties have established their own ordinances to address this issue, aiming to ensure animal welfare within their jurisdictions.

York County’s Approach to Tethering:

York County has a specific ordinance outlining “Restraint Requirements” for animals. Key aspects of this ordinance include:

• Tethering Restrictions: When a tether is used, a responsible adult must be physically outdoors with the dog, and the dog must be under the owner’s direct control. Passive tethering (where the owner is not present) using a chain, choke, or pinch collar is explicitly prohibited.
• Tether Specifications: Permitted tethers must be at least ten feet in length, have swivels on both ends to prevent tangling, and allow the animal to move freely within a 360-degree circular area. The tether’s weight cannot exceed 10% of the dog’s estimated body weight and must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness made of durable, non-metallic material.
• Trolley Systems and Fences: The ordinance allows for passive restraint using trolley systems and fences that meet specific requirements for height, size, and safety. Trolley runner lines must be suspended at least three feet above the dog’s head and have a minimum length. Fenced or kennel areas must measure at least six feet by ten feet.
• Proximity to Hazards: Tethered dogs must be a sufficient distance from any objects or debris that could cause entanglement, injury, or strangulation.

Lancaster County’s Stance on Tethering:

Lancaster County also addresses the tethering of dogs within its ordinances, with a focus on preventing prolonged and inhumane restraint:

• Discouragement of Extended Tethering: The county explicitly states that “Dogs should not be kept on chains, ropes, leads or tethered outdoors in any fashion for extended periods of time,” citing concerns about the animal’s physical and psychological well-being due to isolation and inability to play.
• Minimum Standards for Necessary Tethering: If tethering is deemed necessary, the ordinance mandates that the chain or rope must be a minimum of ten feet in length. Tethered animals must also have continuous access to adequate shelter, shade, and water.
• Reporting Concerns: Residents who witness animals kept outdoors without meeting these requirements are urged to contact Animal Control at the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office to report the situation and request a welfare check.

General Animal Cruelty Laws in Both Counties:

Beyond specific tethering ordinances, both York and Lancaster Counties adhere to South Carolina’s broader animal cruelty laws. These laws generally prohibit:

• Knowingly and intentionally ill-treating, overloading, overdriving, or overworking any animal.
• Depriving an animal of necessary sustenance or shelter.
• Inflicting unnecessary pain or suffering upon any animal.
• Knowingly or intentionally causing such acts to be done.

York County’s ordinance further specifies that adequate shelter must be an enclosed structure manufactured for housing dogs or cats, protecting them from the elements and providing sufficient space to stand, turn, and lie down. Access to natural or artificial shade is also required between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., along with insulation during colder months.

Enforcement and Reporting:

In both York and Lancaster Counties, animal control officers are responsible for enforcing these ordinances and investigating reports of animal cruelty or neglect, including improper tethering. Residents who suspect a violation are encouraged to contact their respective county’s animal control or sheriff’s office. In York County, the Animal Shelter can be reached at 803-628-3190, while in Lancaster County, the Animal Control division of the Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at 803-283-3388 (option 4).

Understanding these local ordinances in conjunction with state animal cruelty laws is crucial for pet owners in York and Lancaster Counties to ensure they are providing humane care for their animals and avoiding potential legal penalties.