Local Animal Ordinances
This is a quick guide to the City of Myrtle Beach Animal Laws. To view a complete version of the code, visit: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com
- All animals more than 4 months of age located on any premise within the cityof Myrtle Beach must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Sec 4-6
- All animals must have a current rabies vaccination tag and a tag identifying the owner securely attached to the animal by harness or collar. Sec. 4-6
- All dogs are required to be on a leash when off the owner’s property including: common property and beaches. Spay/Neutered domestic cats are not required to be on a leash but are subject to animal nuisance. Sec 4-6
- Owners are required to promptly pick-up pet waste. Sec 4-6
- Animal Nuisance may include: excessive or continuous noise (i.e. barking), failure to maintain control, damage to property and unaltered pets running at large. Sec 4-5
- Animals left in harsh or inclement environments without adequate protection (i.e. failure to provide appropriate shelter and animals left in hot cars) are subject to seizure. Sec. 4-4
Penalties up to $1087 and/or 30 days imprisonment
UPDATE – NOVEMBER 26, 2019
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, Myrtle Beach City Council passed the second and final reading of an ordinance to amend the definition of “impound” and “mistreatment of animals.” Below is an outline of these amendments that take effect immediately within Myrtle Beach city limits.
Ordinance 2019-055 to amend Chapter 4, Animals, in the Code of Ordinances, to amend the definition of impound and the mistreatment of animals, add tethering and veterinary care to the list of definitions, and provide for cases where spay, neuter and microchip are required.
This Code amendment changes the definition of “impound” to read, “Impound means to take legal custody or possession as to confine humanely while providing adequate food, shelter, ventilation and veterinary care.”
The ordinance also changes the term “mistreatments of animals” to include:
- Exposure to extreme weather events.
- Confining an animal in a closed vehicle without air conditioning or adequate ventilation when temperatures exceed 70° F.
- Tethering of an animal for more than two hours in a continuous 12-hour period without a responsible person present.
- Tethering of an animal that is sick or injured.
- Tethering of an animal on a restraining device exceeding more than 10% of the animal’s body weight and has a length of less than 10 feet.
- Tethering by chain or metal devise which is in direct contact with the skin.
- Tethering of an animal in a manner that causes injury, strangulation or entanglement.
This proposal requires all impounded dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered within 30 days. Exceptions are made for animals based on: age, health reasons or service animals. The ordinance also requires all impounded cats and dogs to be microchipped.
Report violations and Complaints to Myrtle Beach Police Department (843) 918-1382.
