South Carolina dog liability for owners of strong dogs

dogbitelaw.com summary of South Carolina dog bite law quotes section 47-3-110: when a person is bitten or otherwise attacked in a public place, or is lawfully in a private place, the owner or the person keeping the dog is liable for the damages. Lawfully present includes someone on the property for a legal duty, such as a mail carrier, or by invitation.

The current text on the South Carolina Code Title 47, Chapter 3 page says the section does not apply when the person provoked or harassed the dog and that provocation was the proximate cause of the attack. It also carves out certified law enforcement dogs acting under a certified officer's lawful command.

The same South Carolina Code Title 47, Chapter 3 defines a dangerous animal as a dog or cat the owner knows, or should know, tends to attack unprovoked, or one that makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury outside its confinement. It requires the owner to register the animal with the county and to supply proof of liability insurance or a surety bond of at least $50,000.

Tell your insurer what dog is coming and read your lease or association rules first. State law does not override either.