The proposed bill, known as "Riley's Act," aims to amend various sections of the South Carolina Code of Laws related to animal cruelty. Key changes include increasing penalties for offenses such as ill-treatment of animals, unlawful cutting of tails, and the unlawful coloring or dyeing of animals. For instance, the penalties for a first offense of animal ill-treatment would increase from a fine of $500 to $2,000, and for subsequent offenses, the imprisonment term would rise from two years to five years. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that require the State Law Enforcement Division to maintain a publicly accessible list of individuals convicted of animal cruelty and establishes that those convicted of misdemeanors may be prohibited from owning animals, while felons must face such prohibitions.

The bill also revises existing penalties for various offenses, such as the unlawful transportation of animals and the giving away of live animals as prizes. For example, fines for violations related to the transportation of animals would increase significantly, and the penalties for giving away live animals as prizes would also see an increase. Overall, "Riley's Act" seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal welfare in South Carolina by imposing stricter penalties and enhancing public awareness of animal cruelty convictions.

Statutes affected:
02/04/2026: 47-1-40, 47-1-50, 47-1-60, 47-1-110, 47-1-90, 47-1-125, 47-1-200, 47-1-210, 47-1-220
Latest Version: 47-1-40, 47-1-50, 47-1-60, 47-1-110, 47-1-90, 47-1-125, 47-1-200, 47-1-210, 47-1-220