The bill S. 1100 aims to enhance the legal protections for police dogs and horses in South Carolina by amending existing laws related to their treatment. It designates Article 11, Chapter 3, Title 47 as "Teasing, Maltreating, and Injuring Police Dogs or Horses Prohibited." The bill introduces stricter penalties for violations, categorizing unlawful actions against these animals as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the offense. Specifically, it establishes that taunting or administering harmful substances to police dogs or horses is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and imprisonment for 30 days to 5 years. In contrast, more severe actions such as shooting at these animals are classified as felonies, with penalties including fines from $2,000 to $20,000 and imprisonment for 2 to 10 years.

Additionally, the bill mandates restitution to law enforcement agencies for costs associated with restoring or replacing injured or killed animals. It clarifies that nothing in the law denies the right to assert a legal defense of self-defense. The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the legal framework protecting police animals, ensuring that those who harm them face significant consequences. The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Statutes affected:
04/01/2026: 47-3-610, 47-3-620, 47-3-630
Latest Version: 47-3-610, 47-3-620, 47-3-630