§ 4-1. Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have meanings respectively ascribed to them:

Adequate food: The provision at suitable intervals, not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours, of a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition for the animal. Such foodstuff shall be served in a receptacle, dish or container that is physically clean and in which agents injurious to health have been removed or destroyed to a practical minimum.

Adequate shelter: That shelter which will keep a non-aquatic animal dry, out of the direct path of winds and out of the direct sun and at a temperature level that is healthful for the animal. The containment area for the animal shall be free of accumulated waste and debris so that the animal shall be free to walk or lie down without coming in contact with any waste or debris. A suitable method of draining shall be provided to rapidly eliminate excess water or moisture. Aquatic and semi-aquatic animals shall have an adequate amount of clean water in which to move.

Adequate water: A constant access to a supply of clean, fresh water provided for in a sanitary manner.

Animal: Any mammal, fowl or other domestic or wild animal of any kind or nature.

Animal control officer: Any person appointed by the city manager to carry out the requirements of this chapter.

Domestic animal: Any dog, cat, or domesticated ferret not defined as wildlife or livestock.

Nuisance animal: Any animal that unreasonably annoys humans, endangers the life or health of other animals or persons, or substantially interferes with the rights of citizens, other than their owners, to the enjoyment of life or property.

Owner or keeper: Any person who keeps, harbors, maintains an animal; or has on animal within care, custody and control; or acts as custodian of any length of time; or permits an animal to remain on or about the premises occupied, owned, leased, rented or lawfully accessed by the person, within the city limits.

Vicious animal: Any animal that attacks, bites or injures human beings or domesticated animals without adequate provocation, or which, because of temperament, conditioning, or training, has a known propensity to attack, bite or injure human beings or domesticated animals.

(Code 1970, § 5-1; Ord. of 3-19-80; Ord. No. 88-29, 7-19-88; Ord. No. 02-45, § 1, 10-21-02)

State law reference

Definition of "animal," S.C. Code 1976, § 47-1-10; definition of "dog" and "vicious dog," § 47-3-10; definition of "pet," "owner," "inoculation," etc., § 47-5-20; definition of estray, § 47-7-10; definition of "livestock" and "owner," § 47-9-210.