Olanta, South Carolina

Sec. 6-2. – Mistreatment of animals.

(m) Tethering of dogs. The term “tethered” or “tethering” means attaching an animal to a stationary object by means of a chain, cable, rope, running line, harness or similar device. Tethering shall not include the use of an appropriate leash to walk a dog.

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or otherwise cause a dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained, without limitation, to houses, trees, garages, or other stationary or immobile objects by means of a chain, cable, rope, running line, harness or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are met:

a. The tether must be attached to a properly fitting harness or collar and not directly to the dog’s neck. The tether must be at least 15 feet in length; positioned so that, at its greatest length, it prevents injury, strangulation or entanglement with any obstruction, manmade or natural, or another animal; and employ a swivel on at least one end of the tether to minimize tangling.

b. The tether, assembly or attachments shall not exceed one-tenth of the dog’s body weight so as to inhibit the free movement of a dog within the area tethered.

c. Tethering of dogs for more than eight hours at a time in any 24-hour period is prohibited.

d. A dog is not to be tethered outside during extreme weather, including, but not limited to, extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms or floods.

e. A tethered dog must have access to adequate shade, shelter, food and water.

f. The dog must be at least 15 feet from the edge of any public road or sidewalk and not in an area open to teasing or attacks, or where the ground is continuously wet or muddy. The dog must be tethered in a manner that will prevent the animal from leaving any part of the owner’s property.

g. The dog must be six months of age or older.

h. The dog must not be sick or injured.

i. If there are multiple dogs, each dog must be tethered separately with sufficient space placed between the dogs to ensure that there is no contact with another tethered animal. (2) Any person in violation of this subsection (m) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished by imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or by a fine not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00, or both.