Pitt Bull Bans in SC (Charleston: apartment complexes, renters, homeowners insurance)

[Mybabykirra]

Hi, I am currently in the process of moving from northeast Ohio to the Charleston area... but I have a couple questions. Here in Akron, we have a law that says the only way to own a pitt bull is if you get insurance (800$ a year), a GIANT sign that says you own a pitt bull and proceed with caution, she also has to wear a florescent green collar, a muzzle, be on a chain link leash, and stay in a completely enclosed dog run. Do they have these same laws in SC? Its a shame because my dog is only a mix, has never done anything wrong and is the sweetest dog you'll ever meet... anyways these laws really make it hard to live day to day here and I am just hoping that SC is different. Even if someone knows a website I could research to find out... Thanks for your help! Can't wait to be on the beach!!!

[SCBeaches]

No, not in this part of SC. I know lots of people with pit bulls and they certainly aren't muzzled, don't wear flourescent green collars, and don't stay in enclosed dog runs. Sure, the dog needs to be in a fenced in yard or on a leash, as with any dog, but they aren't outlawed here.
There is another poster on here with the screen name "lpyrbby" who works with pit bull rescues and could probably tell you anything you need to know. Good luck with your move!

[beachme]

I don't believe there are any "pit bull" laws or restrictions here. Never seen or heard of any and I have seen a few pit bulls so I think your safe.

[DJShymansky]

There are some neighborhoods with "aggressive breed" restrictions. So be aware of those if you're looking to buy or rent locally. As for an actual city/state ordinance, no.

[grannynancy]

No, I have a GSD so I watch SC laws and have nothing breed specific.
There are laws on how long a dog can be on a tether etc.

[lpyrbby]

Nope, nothing restricting breeds yet in the manner that Ohio does. You will find that many apartment complexes don't allow them so I highly recommend buying a home or renting something privately owned.

What area are you planning to move to and when?

[usc_gal98]

I LOVE pits! Had one myself and she was the sweetest girl.

I think the only problem you are going to run into would be with homeowners insurance.

[lpyrbby]

Originally Posted by usc_gal98

I LOVE pits! Had one myself and she was the sweetest girl.

I think the only problem you are going to run into would be with homeowners insurance.

Yeah, we're slowly working towards getting information on which insurance companies could care less about the breed of dog you own. One of our volunteers actually found out about a couple and was able to get renters insurance that covered her dog. I think she keeps forgetting that I asked for that info lol.

With a lot of insurance companies though, they don't ask. I don't recommend that everyone do it but if they don't ask me, I'm not likely to tell. *I* am responsible for the actions of my dogs. The insurance company shouldn't have to dictate something such as coverage based on my owning dogs.

[BornandBredSC]

It's only against the law to own a "dangerous dog" from what I understand. Any dog with a hx of biting could be considered dangerous. I advise putting up beware of dog signs on your fence, no matter how nice your dog is. We also keep our gates to our chain link fence padlocked when we're not at home to prevent someone from accidently leaving them open. We work with a rescue of a smaller breed but somehow we've wound up with two big boys as well- drop offs at our farm, by the time I got them neutered the hubby fell in love.

[lpyrbby]

Originally Posted by BornandBredSC

It's only against the law to own a "dangerous dog" from what I understand. Any dog with a hx of biting could be considered dangerous. I advise putting up beware of dog signs on your fence, no matter how nice your dog is. We also keep our gates to our chain link fence padlocked when we're not at home to prevent someone from accidently leaving them open. We work with a rescue of a smaller breed but somehow we've wound up with two big boys as well- drop offs at our farm, by the time I got them neutered the hubby fell in love.

Yikes! I totally advise AGAINST the "Beware of Dog" sign. The reason for this is (and this goes for any breed of dog really) say the meter man comes on your property. He has a job to do so he has to come in. Say he gets bit because your dog thinks he's a threat. All of a sudden your dog is labeled dangerous and the sign, yeah you had the sign up, but I've heard of several people having problems in court because the sign is "an admittance of guilt." The sign suggests you have a problematic dog, even though you are just letting the public know, "hey there's a dog here." The best sign you can get for your property is one that reads "Dog on Premises" because, that's really all people need to know unless your dog *really* is considered a "dangerous dog." The fine lines us pet owners have to step across..