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Call on South Carolina legislators to reintroduce reasonable, humane limits on prolonged, unattended dog tethering.

South Carolina currently lacks a clear statewide standard limiting prolonged, unattended tethering of dogs. As a result, enforcement varies widely by county and municipality, leaving many dogs exposed to long periods of isolation, restraint, and environmental stress without adequate protection. 

Prolonged tethering is widely recognized by veterinarians, animal welfare professionals, and public safety experts as harmful to a dog’s physical and psychological well-being. Dogs left tethered for extended periods are at increased risk of injury, anxiety, aggression, and neglect. This not only impacts the animal, but also poses safety concerns for the surrounding community.

In prior legislative sessions, humane tethering provisions were introduced in South Carolina and passed the Senate unanimously, demonstrating bipartisan recognition that unattended tethering warrants regulation. However, those provisions ultimately stalled in the House due to procedural timing rather than opposition to the substance of the bill.

Many neighboring counties and municipalities have since enacted their own tethering restrictions, but relying solely on local ordinances creates inconsistency and gaps in protection. A narrowly tailored, statewide standard focused on prolonged, unattended tethering would provide clarity for pet owners, consistency for law enforcement, and meaningful protection for animals across South Carolina.

This petition calls for the reintroduction of humane dog tethering legislation that reflects modern animal welfare standards while respecting reasonable, temporary restraint and rural realities.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”— Mahatma Gandhi

The Solution

South Carolina lawmakers should reintroduce and advance narrow, clearly defined legislation that limits prolonged, unattended tethering of dogs while allowing reasonable, temporary restraint.

A renewed bill should:

Establish clear limits on unattended tethering

Require access to adequate shelter, shade, and potable water

Prohibit unsafe restraint methods that cause injury or suffering

Provide clarity and consistency for law enforcement and animal control

Align South Carolina with humane standards already adopted by many municipalities, states, and international jurisdictions

Such legislation would not criminalize responsible pet owners, nor interfere with temporary restraint or working animals. Instead, it would address clear cases of neglect, reduce enforcement ambiguity, and promote safer, healthier communities for both people and animals.

Why This Matters Now

Without statewide guidance, dogs remain vulnerable to prolonged confinement based solely on where they live. Humane tethering standards are not a radical concept — they are a practical, widely supported measure that has already received bipartisan approval in South Carolina’s Senate.

Reintroducing this legislation ensures that past progress is not lost and that South Carolina moves forward with clear, compassionate, and enforceable standards.

Call to Action

We respectfully ask South Carolina House members — particularly Representative Justin Bamberg — to reintroduce and support humane dog tethering legislation in the upcoming legislative session.

By signing this petition, you are supporting:

Clear and consistent animal welfare standards

Responsible pet ownership

Public safety

A compassionate South Carolina that reflects modern values

Please add your name to help ensure this issue receives the attention and action it deserves.