For the purposes of this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
Abandonment (of an animal). The act of any person who:
(a) Abandons an animal by leaving it unattended for a period of in excess of 48 hours without adequate food, water, ventilation or shelter on public or private property, including but not limited to, the property of the owner/custodian;
(b) Puts out, leaves, abandons or in any other way discards any animal on public or private property, including but not limited to, property of the owner/custodian, and including but not limited to, leaving an animal in a box, bag, fence, house or other structure; or
(c) Places an animal in the custody of a state-licensed entity, such as, but not limited to, a veterinary clinic, grooming facility or pet sitter for treatment, boarding or other care, and fails to reclaim the animal by an agreed upon time.
Abuse. An act or neglect harming any animal, including but not limited to:
(a) Depriving adequate food, water, shelter, ventilation, care, space or veterinary care;
(b) Physically harming, torturing, mutilating, beating or illegally killing;
(c) Training/using for fighting other animals; and
(d) Using as bait to train/lure other animals to fight/kill.
Animal. Any non-human living vertebrate, whether wild or domesticated.
Animal bite. Any physical contact of the teeth, nails or claws of an animal with human flesh, including but not limited to, a scrape, puncture, pierce, scratch or tear, so long as bleeding results.
Animal control office. The office designated by Greenville County with such powers and duties as are hereinafter set forth in this article.
Animal control officer. A person appointed by county council with such powers and duties as are hereinafter set forth in this article.
Animal hoarding.
(a) Collecting animals and failing to provide them with humane/adequate care;
(b) Collecting dead animals that are not properly disposed; or
(c) Collecting, housing or harboring animals in filthy, insanitary conditions that constitute a health hazard to the animals being kept, and/or to the animals or residents of adjacent property.
Animal mill. An individual or entity that keeps and/or breeds animals in conditions where animals are frequently caged for extended periods of time, do not receive adequate care, and/or are not kept in an environment conducive to the health and well being of the animal. An animal mill may be used for the purpose of producing multiple offspring for sale.
Animal shelter. Any premises designated by county council for the purpose of impounding, care or destruction of dogs or cats held pursuant to this article.
Care (adequate humane). Attention to the needs of an animal, including but not limited to, providing adequate water, food, shelter, bedding, sanitary condition, ventilation, space, exercise and veterinary medical attention necessary to maintain the health of the animal with regard to its specific age, size, species and breed.
Cat. All members of the domesticated feline family.
County. The unincorporated area of the county and any municipally requesting dog or cat control services of the county, as long as county council approves and the city adopts appropriate legislation to this effect.
Current cost of impound fee. The amount of money paid to a contractor of the county to provide board and care for an impounded animal for a minimum period set in the contract.
Dangerous or vicious animal. An animal:
(a) With a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack unprovoked, to cause injury to, or to otherwise endanger the safety of, humans or domestic animals;
(b) That attacks a human being or other domestic animal without provocation; or
(c) That is trained or used to fight or to attack humans or other animals.
This definition shall not apply to a dog owned or used by a governmental entity; or to an animal that bites or attacks a person or animal trespassing on the property of the attacking animal’s owner; or to an animal that bites or attacks a person or animal that provokes, torments, tortures or treats that animal cruelly.
Feeding a domesticated animal to a snake shall not make the snake a vicious animal.
Dog. All members of the canine family.
Domestic animal. Any animal other than wildlife, a wild animal or an exotic animal, as defined by this article, that is domesticated by humans so as to live and breed in a tame condition. Domesticated animal includes, but is not limited to, cats, dogs, fowls, horses, cattle, sheep and goats.
Euthanize. To put to death in a humane manner.
Exterior area. Any area outside a structure, including but is not limited to, an area enclosed by fence.
Exotic animal. Any animal that is not indigenous to this state.
Fence.
(a) A structure of wire, wood, stone or other materials, not including invisible fencing, which is of sufficient height and strength to act as barrier against the passage of the animal it is intended to enclose.
(b) A fence does not include an invisible fence that is:
1. Turned off or within which the animal is not wearing a properly operating signaling device;
2. Ineffective for any animal that has learned it can cross the fence line; or
3. Intended to be a means of keeping people or animals out of an enclosed area, buried in or adjacent to a county right-of-way.
(c) An invisible fence is not an acceptable means of control for an animal classified as dangerous, or in estrus/heat.
Food (adequate). Adequate quantity of non- contaminated and nutritionally adequate food, fed according to age, size, species and breed requirements, which is sufficient to prevent starvation, malnutrition or risk to the animal’s health. Garbage or spoiled/rancid food is not considered adequate food.
Garbage. All refuse matter/effluent. Garbage includes, but is not limited to, animal or vegetable refuse, by-product of a restaurant, kitchen or meat- /poultry-processing establishment, spoiled/rancid food and refuse accumulation of animal, fruit or vegetable matter, liquid or otherwise, that is normally discarded.
Humane society. An organization chartered under the principles of the South Carolina Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Impound. The act of an officer or agent of the county, whereby this person takes charge of an animal for the purpose of confining in a humane manner, including but not limited to, providing sufficient and nourishing food, warm and well ventilated shelter and medical attention.
Insanitary condition. Animal living space, including shelter and exercise area, contaminated by health hazards, irritants, items or conditions that endanger or pose a risk to an animal’s health, including but not limited to:
(a) Excessive animal waste;
(b) Garbage, trash or effluent;
(c) Standing water or mud;
(d) Rancid/contaminated food or water;
(e) Fumes, foul or noxious odor, air, hazardous chemicals or poisons;
(f) Decaying material;
(g) Uncontrolled parasite or rodent infestation; and
(h) Areas that contain nails, screws, broken glass, broken boards, pits, poisons, sharp implements or other items that could cause injury, illness or death to an animal.
Kennel. Any facility wherein a person, firm or corporation harbors, raises or breeds animals for pleasure, sport, show, sale, hire, or for a legitimate business purpose, and which complies with state and county laws, where applicable, concerning housing and care for animals.
Owner or keeper. Any person who:
(a) Has a right of property in an animal;
(b) Keeps or harbors a an animal or has it in his care, or acts as its custodian for 10 days or more; or
(c) Permits an animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.
Proper enclosure. An enclosure for keeping a dangerous or vicious animal securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen, fence or structure that is suitable to prevent the entry of another animal or any person other than the owner or caretaker. The enclosure must:
(a) Be designed to prevent the animal from escaping; and
1. If the enclosure is a fence, the fence must be high enough to keep the animal from climbing over and must be secured at the bottom either by burying the fence at least 1 foot in the ground or by cement or concrete. If the fence is less than 4 feet high, it must have a top and the floor must be cement, concrete or other impenetrable surface. The fence must be clearly marked by a sign stating “Dangerous Animal”.
2. If the enclosure is a pen or structure other than a fence, it must have secure sides, top and bottom constructed or secured in such a manner to prevent the animal’s escape, and be of height and strength to maintain the animal within it.
(b) Provide adequate shelter and adequate space for the species of the animal contained therein.
Running at large. Being off the premises of the owner or keeper and not under the physical control of the owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device.
Severe injury. Any physical injury that results in broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic or corrective surgery.
Shelter (adequate). Protective cover for a domestic animal appropriate for its species, and providing adequate space to maintain the animal in good health, which also prevents pain, suffering or significant risk to its health.
(a) Adequate shelter includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Sufficient coverage to protect an animal from extreme hot and cold temperatures;
2. Sufficient protection from the elements to keep the animal dry;
3. Sufficient shade and ventilation to prevent an animal from overheating and/or dehydrating; and
4. Structurally sound housing that provides an animal with:
a. Adequate space;
b. Four solid walls or similar type configuration, with an opening allowing the animal to enter into the structure;
c. A roof; and
d. A dry floor.
(b) Materials not suitable for shelters include, but are not limited to, the following;
1. Crates with exposed sharp edges;
2. Metal or plastic drums;
3. Abandoned or parked vehicles;
4. Porches or decks allowing the entry of precipitation or inclement weather; or
5. Any other structure that fails to provide sufficient protection from the elements, and is not safe or suitable for housing the species.
Space (adequate). Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) Space for an animal to adequately exercise suitable to its age, size and breed;
(b) Space during periods of confinement, suitable to the animal’s age, size, species and breed,
permitting it to turn about freely, stand, sit, lie and move, in comfortable and normal position; and
(c) For sick or injured animals, confinement as directed by veterinarian.
Stray. An animal running at large.
Sustenance. Adequate food provided at suitable intervals suitable for the species and age of the animal, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition to allow for proper growth and weight, and access to a supply of clean, fresh and potable water provided in a suitable manner for the species.
Training equipment.
(a) Paraphernalia, pit supplies, implements, programs, drugs or equipment used to train or condition animals to be aggressive towards other animals or human beings; or
(b) The use of any animal as bait or lure in training dogs for fighting.
Under restraint. An animal shall be deemed under restraint if it is on the premises of its owner or keeper; or is accompanied by its owner or keeper and under the physical control of such owner or keeper by means of a leash or other similar restraining device; or under the active control of the owner or trainer while hunting or being trained, and while on property of the owner or with the property owner’s permission.
Ventilation (adequate). Fresh air sufficient to provide for the health of an animal.
Veterinarian. A person who has received a doctor’s degree or equivalent in veterinary medicine, and is licensed by the state to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, and may include veterinary surgery, obstetrics, dentistry, and all other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine.
Veterinary care (adequate). Medical care of an animal from or under the direction of a licensed
veterinarian, and necessary to maintain the animal’s health based on its age, species and breed, or to prevent its suffering from:
(a) Ongoing infections;
(b) Infestation of parasites;
(c) Disease;
(d) Any other medical condition/injury, where withholding or neglecting to provide such care would endanger the health or welfare of the animal, or promote the spread of communicable disease.
Water (adequate). Clean, fresh, potable water sufficient to prevent dehydration, properly sustain health, and prevent significant risk to the animal’s health. Snow, ice, rancid/contaminated water are not considered adequate water.
Wild animal/wildlife. Any animal indigenous to this state that is not domesticated. Furthermore, all animals commonly accepted as being “wild” and including, but is not limited to, the following, no matter how domesticated they may be:
(a) Alligators and crocodiles;
(b) Bears (ursidae);
(c) Cat family (felidae) that includes, but is not limited to, bobcats, tigers, leopards, lions and panthers, except commonly domesticated cats;
(d) Coyotes, foxes, wolves, including the offspring of 1 of the foregoing with a domestic dog, wherein the proportion of wild animal exceeds 1/4;
(e) Porcupine (erethizontiade);
(f) Non-human primates (hominidae);
(g) Raccoon (procynmidae);
(h) Skunks;
(i) Venomous snakes, constrictor snakes that grow larger than 5 feet in length, or venomous lizards; and
(j) Weasels (mustelidae), except “European” ferrets.
However, the definition of a wild animal shall not be construed to apply to “exotic” birds or animals that are not dangerous to humans and may lawfully be purchased at pet stores or commercial locations, except for those animals specifically mentioned above.
Furthermore, this section shall not apply to domesticated herds of deer, antelope, buffalo or similar herd animals that may be lawfully possessed and are maintained in safe and secure fenced areas for commercial, educational or entertainment purposes, so long as all other provisions concerning humane treatment of animals are complied with.
(1976 Code, § 4-11) (Ord. 301, § 2; Ord. 731, § 2; Ord. 1954, §§ 2, 3, passed 3-21-1989; Ord. 2130, §§ 2, 3, 4(1), passed 6-5-1990; Ord. 4099, § 3, passed 4-3-2007; Ord. 4396, § 3, passed 11-16-2010)