(A) For the purposes of this section, "care and handling" means accepted animal husbandry practices.

(B) Units of local government in this State may not enact ordinances, orders, or other regulations concerning the care and handling of livestock and poultry.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 47-4-160

  • Livestock: means all classes and breeds of animals, domesticated or feral, raised for use, sale, or display. See South Carolina Code 47-4-20
  • Poultry: means all avian species including wildfowl raised for use, sale, or display and domestic fowl. See South Carolina Code 47-4-20

(C) It is the intent of the General Assembly to occupy the field of regulation of care and handling of livestock and poultry. All local laws and ordinances related to the regulation of and the enforcement of the care and handling of livestock and poultry in this State are preempted and superseded by laws enacted by the General Assembly and regulations promulgated by state agencies pursuant to those laws.

(D) The provisions of this section do not apply to Chapter 45 of Title 46 concerning nuisance suits related to agricultural operations, commonly referred to as the Right to Farm Act, and do not affect a local unit of government’s authority to enact ordinances concerning new swine operations and new slaughterhouse operations.

(E) The provisions of this section do not preclude or limit a unit of local government’s right to exercise its land use and zoning authority.

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