Charleston Animal Society Applauds Passage of Anti-Cruelty Law
June 16, 2014
N. CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston Animal Society is pleased to announce that today Governor Nikki Haley signed into law legislation that strengthens South Carolina’s laws relating to domestic abuse and all aspects of animal cruelty.
The bills that served as the basis for the new law were H. 3361, which was sponsored by Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg and S. 193, introduced by Senator Daniel B. “Danny” Verdin, III of Laurens. Under the new law, courts involved in domestic abuse cases are given the power to protect animals from harm or harassment at the hands of a defendant in a domestic violence case. Additionally, courts can provide for temporary possession of a pet and allow assistance from law enforcement officers in removing the pet from a home.
As one of the founders of the South Carolina Animal Legislative Coalition, Charleston Animal Society helped serve as a voice for reasonable animal care advocates to promote common sense legislation designed to promote a positive environment for animals and those charged with their care. With today’s passage of the anti-cruelty legislation, the Coalition realized one of its major goals for the current legislative session – to increase penalties for animal cruelty and streamline the process by which such cases are brought.
Among the highlights of the law are:
Decision of punishment in cruelty cases are left up to a judge, while giving that judge greater authority to maximize the fine or time in prison.
Streamlines the penalty process for repeat offenders, with repeat offenders facing more serious as penalties as of the second offense. Discretion of sentencing remains with the judge.
Increases maximum penalties:
For first-time offenders from 60 days in jail and a $500 fine to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine.
For 2nd-time offenders from 90 days in jail and an $800 fine to 2 years in jail and a $2000 fine. These would also serve as the benchmarks for multiple offenders.
“This is great news for animal lovers or anyone who cares about justice,” says Joe Elmore, Chief Executive Officer for Charleston Animal Society. “The South Carolina Animal Legislative Coalition worked hard to see measured anti-cruelty legislation signed into law. On behalf of Charleston Animal Society and our constituency I would like to thank Governor Haley, Representative Cobb-Hunter, Senator Verdin and their fellow members in the House and Senate for supporting this important law.”
About Charleston Animal Society
At 140 years old, Charleston Animal Society is the oldest animal organization in South Carolina and one of the oldest in the Nation. It is also South Carolina’s leader in adoptions, spay/neuter procedures, free roaming cat services and research projects and has a nationally recognized Veterinary Science Initiative. For the second year in a row, Charleston Animal Society is South Carolina’s most honored charity.
