Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors that are mistreatment of animals—from neglect (depriving an animal of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care) to torturing, maiming, mutilating, and killing animals. Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state, and are usually included in a state’s statutes.
In South Carolina, animal cruelty is addressed under the state's animal cruelty statutes, which are found in Title 47 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The statutes define various forms of mistreatment and set forth the penalties for such actions. Under these laws, it is illegal to ill-treat, torture, torment, overload, overwork, or otherwise abuse an animal. This includes failing to provide necessary sustenance, such as food and water, as well as adequate shelter and veterinary care. The law distinguishes between misdemeanor and felony offenses, with the severity of the punishment depending on factors such as the nature of the cruelty, the number of previous offenses, and whether the act was willful. Felony animal cruelty, which includes more heinous acts such as torture or killing, carries stiffer penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines. South Carolina also has laws that protect animals from abandonment and fighting, and these are also considered forms of cruelty under the law.