| South Carolina dog bite laws are not very | | | | would be expected to know that this animal is likely |
| complicated. If you own or are caring for a dog that | | | | to pose a danger to humans or other animals. It is |
| bites someone, you are liable for damages to the | | | | your responsibility to keep him confined in a properly |
| person bitten unless the person who was bitten | | | | secured and constructed pen, run, or fenced area |
| provoked the dog into the attack. | | | | that is marked to clearly indicate that the animal is |
| If your claim that the dog was provoked comes into | | | | dangerous. The dog is not permitted to be |
| question or if the plaintiff did not actually provoke | | | | unrestrained, even on your premises. |
| the dog, you would benefit from obtaining legal | | | | Registration Requirements |
| counsel as soon as possible. | | | | If you own a dangerous dog and intend to keep him, |
| Some of the major factors that determine liability | | | | he must be registered with your local county law |
| include: | | | | enforcement agency. You must provide proof of |
| · Who had possession of, or was caring for the dog | | | | insurance or surety bond if you want to keep him. |
| when the bite took place | | | | One exception to this law permits animals owned by |
| · On whose property was the dog when the bite | | | | a licensed security company to patrol in a confined |
| took place | | | | area. |
| · Was the person who was bitten on your property | | | | Cautions about Buying or Selling a Dog |
| there by invitation, such as a guest, a repairman, etc. | | | | It is also illegal to own or train a dog for the purpose |
| · Was the person who was bitten carrying out any | | | | of fighting him or for attacking any human beings or |
| duty imposed by State or Federal Law, such as | | | | domestic animals (including livestock). It is unlawful to |
| delivering the mail or enumerating the census | | | | buy, sell, or breed a known dangerous dog, without a |
| · Did the person who was bitten provoke the dog | | | | special license to do so under strictly regulated |
| into attacking him or her | | | | circumstances. |
| Owner Responsibility | | | | Fines and imprisonment can be imposed on owners |
| If your dog is considered a “dangerous | | | | who are convicted of violating these laws. |
| animal” as defined by South Carolina law, then | | | | |