The "South Carolina Humane Dog Breeding Act" aims to regulate professional dog breeding in the state by establishing licensing requirements and standards for care and record-keeping. The bill introduces several new sections to the South Carolina Code of Laws, including definitions related to dog breeding, the licensing process for professional dog breeders, and the establishment of consumer protections. It mandates that professional dog breeders must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture, with licenses valid for two years, and outlines the conditions under which a license may be denied, suspended, or revoked. The bill also sets forth specific standards for the care of dogs, including housing, nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care.

Additionally, the act provides mechanisms for the seizure of dogs kept in violation of its provisions and imposes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders. It requires breeders to maintain accurate records for each dog and to provide consumers with written disclosures at the time of sale. The Department of Agriculture is authorized to promulgate regulations to implement the act, ensuring that the standards and procedures are effectively enforced. This legislation is designed to promote humane practices in dog breeding and protect the welfare of dogs in South Carolina.

Statutes affected:
12/10/2025: 47-3-1100, 47-3-1110, 47-3-1120, 47-3-1130, 47-3-1140, 47-3-1150, 47-3-1160, 47-3-1170
12/10/2025-A: 47-3-1100, 47-3-1110, 47-3-1120, 47-3-1130, 47-3-1140, 47-3-1150, 47-3-1160, 47-3-1170
01/14/2026: 47-3-1100, 47-3-1110, 47-3-1120, 47-3-1130, 47-3-1140, 47-3-1150, 47-3-1160, 47-3-1170
01/21/2026: 47-3-1100, 47-3-1110, 47-3-1120, 47-3-1130, 47-3-1140, 47-3-1150, 47-3-1160, 47-3-1170
Latest Version: 47-3-1100, 47-3-1110, 47-3-1120, 47-3-1130, 47-3-1140, 47-3-1150, 47-3-1160, 47-3-1170