For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONMENT. A situation in which an owner of an animal or pet does not provide for humane disposal of the animal or pet, or does not transfer ownership to a responsible person, or who does not provide or arrange for adequate food, water, shelter and care.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS. The persons designated by the county sheriff’s office as the enforcement officers of the provisions of this subchapter.
ANIMALS. Any live, vertebrate creature, domestic or wild, which shall include all brute creatures that are owned by persons or kept as pets.
ANIMAL SHELTER. Any premises designated by the county's governing body for the purpose of impoundment, care or destruction of animals or pets found in violation of this subchapter.
ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATION. An organization charged with the operation of an animal shelter (i.e., Charleston Animal Society) under an agreement with the county government.
AT LARGE. An animal which is off the property and/or premises of the owner or keeper and not under physical control by owner or keeper by means of a leash or restraint.
COUNTY. The unincorporated portions of Charleston County.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL. An animal which:
(1) The owner knows, or reasonably should know, has a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals;
(2) Makes an unprovoked attack that causes bodily injury to a human being and the attack occurs in a place other than the place where the animal is confined;
(3) Commits unprovoked acts in a place other than the place where the animal is confined and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the animal will attack and cause bodily injury to a human being; or
(4) Is owned or harbored primarily, or in part, for the purpose of fighting or which is trained for fighting.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL does not include an animal used exclusively for agricultural purposes or an animal which attacks a person who is trespassing or who appears to be trespassing. A trespasser is a person who is not lawfully upon the property of another.
INJURY or BODILY INJURY. Broken bones, lacerations, punctures of the skin, or any physical injury resulting in death.
LIVESTOCK. Horses, bovine, sheep, goats, and swine.
OWNER. A person who owns or has custody or control of the animal.
PET. Any animal which may legally be held as a pet by private citizens without special permit or permission required; i.e., dogs (Canis familiaris), cats (Felis catus). With the exception of dogs and cats, items one through six below are "exotic" pets or wildlife which require special permits.
(1) Family Canidae: Coyote, wolves, foxes, dogs.
(2) Family Ursidae: Bears.
(3) Family Procyonidae: Raccoons and allies.
(4) Family Mustelidae: Marten, fisher, weasel, ferret, mink, ermine, tayra, grison, wolverine, badger, skunk, otter.
(5) Family Vevirridae: Mongoose.
(6) Family Felidae: Cats and allies.
RESTRAINT. When a pet or animal is confined to the premises of its owner or keeper by fence, chain, or other appropriate measure, on the premises of its owner or keeper, or when a pet is accompanied by owner or keeper and is physically controlled by a leash or similar physical device.
STRAY. Any animal running at large without identification.
VACCINATION AGAINST RABIES. The injection, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or otherwise, of antirabies vaccine as approved by the department of agriculture/veterinary biologies division, administered by a licensed veterinarian.
(Ord. 2012-09, passed 9-20-2012)