Bill > H4461

This bill amends South Carolina's existing law regarding the possession of exotic animals, expanding its scope to include all primates (except humans) in addition to the previously regulated large wild cats, non-native bears, and great apes. The legislation establishes strict regulations for possessing these "covered animals", requiring owners who legally possessed such animals before January 1, 2018 (or January 1, 2026 for non-great ape primates) to register with local animal control authorities, pay registration fees, submit a contingency plan for potential animal escapes, maintain proper veterinary records, comply with federal Animal Welfare Act standards, and prevent direct public contact with the animals. The bill prohibits acquiring new covered animals after January 1, 2026, and grants animal control authorities the power to confiscate animals that are illegally possessed or pose public safety risks. Violators can face fines up to $1,000 or 30 days imprisonment for a first offense, escalating to $5,000 or 90 days for subsequent offenses. The law allows local jurisdictions to implement even more restrictive ordinances and provides exceptions for certain entities like research facilities, veterinary hospitals, and licensed animal handlers, while ensuring that if any part of the act is found unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will remain valid.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4461&session=126&summary=B