South Carolina § 40-69-280 - Abandoned animals; notice to owner.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-69-280 — Abandoned animals; notice to owner., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-69-280. Abandoned animals; notice to owner.
(A) An animal is considered abandoned when the animal has been placed in the custody of a licensed veterinarian for boarding, treatment, or other care and is unclaimed by its owner or the owner's agent and the owner or the owner's agent has not paid the charges for the boarding, treatment, or other care within ten days of notice of these charges being provided to the owner or the owner's agent in accordance with this section and no other payment agreement with the owner or the owner's agent has been reached.
(B) The notice required in subsection (A) must be given to the owner of the animal or the owner's agent at his last known address by registered mail or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and must contain a statement that if the animal is not claimed and if the charges are not paid within ten days after receipt of the notice, the animal may be sold, donated, turned over to the nearest humane society or animal shelter or otherwise disposed of as the person having custody of the animal considers proper.
(C) The owner of an abandoned animal is deemed to have relinquished all rights and claims to the animal by virtue of the abandonment.
(D) Providing notice to the owner or the owner's agent pursuant to this section relieves the custodian of the animal of any liability for the sale, donation, euthanasia, or other disposal of the animal.
HISTORY: 2006 Act No. 294, SECTION 1.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 40-69-280
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-69-280 cover?
Section 40-69-280 ("Abandoned animals; notice to owner.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 40-69-280?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 40-69-280" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 40-69-280 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.