Animal Cruelty
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends South Carolina’s animal cruelty laws to create several exceptions to the definition of ‘ill-treatment of animals.’ Specifically, it excludes certain agricultural practices, veterinary procedures, forestry activities, wildlife management, dog training, food production, hunting, scientific research, zoological operations, competitive events, law enforcement activities, property protection, self-defense, simulated fights for media, and pest control performed by licensed professionals. The changes aim to clarify what constitutes animal cruelty under the law.
Key provisions
- Excludes certain agricultural practices, including breed standards and dehorning.
- Excludes veterinary medicine and related practices.
- Excludes forestry and silvacultural practices.
- Excludes wildlife management activities.
- Excludes dog training activities under specific conditions.
- Excludes activities related to food production for human or animal consumption.
- Excludes lawful hunting activities.
- Excludes scientific and medical research.
Who is affected
- Farmers and agricultural producers
- Veterinarians
- Wildlife managers
- Dog trainers
- Animal enthusiasts
Notable changes
- Adds a comprehensive list of exceptions to the existing animal cruelty statute.
- Clarifies the scope of acceptable animal husbandry practices.
Bill text
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