According to Section 47-1-70 of South Carolina Law, it is completely legal for someone to neglect and/or abandon any dog that may be deemed a “hunting” dog. This is a completely outdated law that needs to be changed for the sake of animal welfare in South Carolina. Local shelters are overflowing with sick, injured, abandoned, and/or neglected strays, many of which are dogs traditionally used for hunting, such as hounds. Dorchester Paws and Saint Frances Animal Center have spoken on the issue, and as the former Intake Manager at Pet Helpers Adoption Center, I would like to add that we saw many similar cases of mistreated and abandoned hounds entering our shelter as well. “Hunting dogs” have the same basic needs as any other dog, and it is time that we hold those that abuse and abandon them legally accountable in order to protect these dogs. Unless this law is changed, “hunting dogs” will continue to be legally vulnerable to abuse and abandonment, and they will continue to flood already overpopulated shelters. It is cruel and unreasonable to let the “hunting dog” exception to mistreatment remain in South Carolina law. Please sign and share this petition to demonstrate to our lawmakers that we need this law to change!