Animal Cruelty

H 4710 amends South Carolina's animal cruelty law (Section 47-1-40) by adding 17 specific exemptions to the general prohibition. The bill clarifies that activities like standard farm animal husbandry, veterinary care, agricultural practices (including dehorning cattle), wildlife management, scientific research, dog training for hunting, and pest control by licensed professionals will not be considered animal cruelty under this law. It directly affects farmers, veterinarians, researchers, wildlife managers, and others engaged in the listed activities. The bill does not change the core prohibition against animal cruelty but defines clear exceptions for common agricultural, scientific, and recreational practices. The bill is pending in the House Agriculture Committee as of January 2026.