Sexual abuse of an animal
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill creates a new crime in South Carolina, known as ‘sexual abuse of an animal,’ which encompasses a range of behaviors including direct sexual contact, possessing animals with the intent for sexual contact, and facilitating such acts. The law establishes penalties, including fines and restrictions on owning or interacting with animals, and allows law enforcement to seize animals for investigation and veterinary examination. It also includes specific exceptions to protect accepted veterinary practices and animal husbandry.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘sexual abuse of an animal’ including specific acts of contact and intent.
- Establishes penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offense.
- Increases penalties to up to ten years imprisonment or a fine of up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses.
- Mandates relinquishment of custody of animals and restrictions on future animal ownership and contact.
- Allows law enforcement to seize animals for investigation and veterinary examination.
- Requires seized animals to be examined by a veterinarian for evidence of sexual contact.
- Specifies exceptions to the law, including veterinary practices, artificial insemination, and certain animal husbandry practices.
- Prohibits the distribution or possession of pornographic images of the offense.
Who is affected
- Animal Owners
- Veterinarians
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours