Committee Report

May 01, 2024

H. 4611

Introduced by Reps. Hixon, Pope, Chapman, Taylor, Hardee, Brewer, Robbins, Gatch and Forrest

S. Printed 05/01/24--S.

Read the first time March 12, 2024

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The committee on Senate Fish, Game and Forestry

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 4611) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 50-11-785 so as to prohibit the unlawful removal or destruction of electronic collars or other electronic, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass with amendment:

    Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 1, by deleting Section 50-11-785(C).

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.

GEORGE E. "CHIP" CAMPSEN III for Committee.

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A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA code of laws BY ADDING SECTION 50-11-785 SO AS TO PROHIBIT THE UNLAWFUL REMOVAL OR DESTRUCTION OF ELECTRONIC COLLARs OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICEs PLACED ON DOGs BY their OWNERs and to provide penalties.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 1, Title 50 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

    Section 50-11-785. (A) It is unlawful to intentionally remove or destroy an electronic collar or other electronic device placed on a dog by its owner.

    (B) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be:

       (1) fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ten days for a first offense; or

       (2) fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days for a second or subsequent offense.

    (C) The provisions of this section do not apply when an electronic collar or other electronic tracking device placed on a dog by its owner is removed or destroyed for the reasonable administration of medical assistance given to the dog.

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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