South Carolina § 47-5-20 - Definitions.

Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-5-20 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47-5-20. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) "Carnivore" means a flesh-eating animal and includes those animals known to be reservoirs of rabies including, but not limited to, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bobcats and related species including, but not limited to, coyotes, wolves, wolf dogs, weasels, civet cats, spotted skunks, and lynx or the offspring born to any combinations of crossbreeding between these wild animals and domestic dogs or cats.

(2) "Department" means the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, including county health departments.

(3) "Domesticated animal" means owned or stray cats, dogs, and ferrets or other animals for which there exists a rabies vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(4) "Inoculation against rabies" means the injection, subcutaneously, intramuscularly or otherwise, of antirabic vaccine as approved by the department and by the United States Department of Agriculture.

(5) "Licensed veterinarian" means a person licensed by law to practice veterinary medicine in this State.

(6) "Owner" means any person who:

(a) has a right of property in a pet;

(b) keeps or harbors a pet or who has it in his care or acts as its custodian; or

(c) permits a pet to remain on or about any premises occupied by him.

(7) "Pet" means only domesticated cats, dogs, and ferrets.

(8) "Quarantine" means a prescribed, restricted confinement of a pet or other animal up to and including a state of enforced isolation. The quarantine is for the purpose of observation of the animal for signs or symptoms, or both, of rabies and for the prevention of potential rabies transmission by the animal to a person, other pets, or other animals. The location, conditions, and length of the quarantine must be prescribed by the department.

HISTORY: 1962 Code SECTION 6-122; 1952 Code SECTION 6-122; 1950 (46) 2406; 1969 (56) 803; 1971 (57) 301; 1979 Act No. 134 SECTION 1; 2002 Act No. 343, SECTION 1, eff July 3, 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 47-5-20

What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-5-20 cover?

Section 47-5-20 ("Definitions.") 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 § 47-5-20?

A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 47-5-20" (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 § 47-5-20 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.