**HEADS UP SOUTH CAROLINA!** A bill was filed last week that would require pit bull owners to register and microchip their dogs if they are not sterilized. The law would allow pet owners to keep, own or harbor a fertile pit bull under the following conditions:
It is under eight weeks of age;
– A licensed veterinarian has examined the dog and signed a written certificate stating that sterilization would endanger the animal’s health because of its age, infirmity, disability, or other medical issue. (The certificate would be valid for only one year.)
– The person has only kept, owned, or harbored the pit bull dog for less than thirty days.
– The person has submitted an application for registration in accordance with the provisions of the law.
– Determination of the breed is under appeal
– The pit bull dog is a show dog that was registered by the time the dog reached six months in age and participated in one nationally recognized show in the twelve months prior to the application for exemption. The person must submit a copy of the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club papers demonstrating the pedigree information and show dog registration and documentation showing proof of annual participation in a nationally recognized show to the governmental animal control agency.
The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
More information at links
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess123_2019-2020/bills/3709.htmÂ
https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article225332825.htmlÂ
