South Carolina Dog Laws: What Owners and Dog Lovers Need to Know

Nearly 60 million US households have pets, and of those, 45.5 million households have one or more dogs. Americans rank first in the world for per capita dog ownership, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Yet dogs can cause harm to humans. Several dog bite and dog attack cases made the news in South Carolina in 2025:

• In September 2025, a dog attack in Laurens County sent a man to the hospital by air ambulance.
• In July 2025, a prominent South Carolina prosecutor was attacked by several dogs while jogging in Harbison Forest.
• In February 2025, a man and his dog were injured by a dog attack in a North Charleston neighborhood.

South Carolina dog owners have legal duties to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others. If you or someone you love was injured by a dog, talk to an experienced Charleston dog bite attorney today. 

South Carolina Dangerous Dog Rules

Section 47-3-710 and the following sections of the South Carolina Code define dog owners’ responsibilities when they own a “dangerous” animal. Dangerous animals are those likely to attack people or other animals without provocation.

Requirements for owners of dangerous dogs (or cats) include not allowing a dangerous animal to roam about “unconfined” on their premises, not allowing the animal off the premises unless it’s restrained, and not keeping dogs or cats for fighting purposes. Dangerous animals must also be registered, wear tags identifying them as dangerous animals, and be covered by liability insurance purchased by their owners. 

If the owner of a dangerous dog (or cat) fails to follow these rules and someone else is injured, the injured person can hold the animal’s owner accountable. 

Dog Owner Liability After a Dog Bite or Attack

In South Carolina, liability isn’t limited to owners who know their dog is dangerous. The owner of any dog is responsible for any harm the dog causes if:

• The injured person was in a public place, like a park or sidewalk, or
• The injured person was lawfully on private property.

For example, a family friend invited to visit or a postal worker dropping off a package is “lawfully” on the private property they are visiting, making a dog owner liable if their dog injures these parties. Trespassers aren’t covered, as a trespasser has no lawful right to be on the property. 

Some states use a “one bite” rule, restricting liability for dog bites to owners who know their dog has dangerous or aggressive tendencies. South Carolina is not a “one bite” state. In South Carolina, dog owners are liable for harm their dogs cause to non-trespassers. This liability holds even if the dog has always acted peacefully and the owner had no cause to believe that would change. 

Similarly, South Carolina is not a “negligence” state, as some states are. Some states require an injured person to prove that the dog’s owner failed in a legal duty to prevent harm, causing the injuries. In South Carolina, it is sufficient to prove that the injured person had a legal right to be in the location where they were hurt. While demonstrating the dog owner’s negligence can help strengthen your case, it isn’t necessary to recover damages. 

Compensation After a Dog Bite Incident

About 4.5 million US residents suffer dog bites each year, according to AVMA. Of these, approximately 800,000 require medical treatment, and 334,000 require emergency room care. 

“Secondary injuries” can also occur during a dog attack. For example, someone attempting to escape an attacking dog may fall, breaking an arm in the process. A large dog that knocks someone to the ground can cause broken bones, head or back injuries, and other harm. 

A South Carolina dog bite case allows an injured person to seek compensation for the harm suffered during a dog attack. Covered losses typically include past and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, and mental and emotional anguish. Scarring and disfigurement may be covered as well. 

What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten or Attacked by a Dog

If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite or attack:

• Get medical attention immediately. Prompt medical care can provide early intervention for infections, repair damaged tissue, and record the full extent of your injuries.
• Contact the authorities. Contact your local animal control agency or the police department to report the incident. Authorities can help control any loose, dangerous animal and test for diseases if needed.
• Document your situation. Take photos or video, make notes, collect contact information from witnesses, and save copies of doctors’ notes and other paperwork. 
• File an insurance claim. File a claim with the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance or with your own insurance. Consult an attorney if you need assistance with filing a claim. 
• Speak to an attorney. Talk to a lawyer with experience handling dog bite claims. 

The experienced South Carolina dog bite attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm can help. Contact us today to learn more about your options. We offer free consultations and do not collect a fee until we collect compensation for you.