ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Orangeburg City Council is moving forward with a major overhaul of its animal control ordinance, the first full update in more than 50 years. The proposal includes new rules for dangerous animals, tethering, livestock limits and how many chickens residents can keep.
The revised ordinance outlines a wide range of changes, including requirements for owners to provide food, water, shelter and veterinary care.
It also continues the city’s ban on roosters but would allow residents to keep up to four chickens on residential property.
“The chickens would be allowed, up to four chickens on residential properties, but no roosters,” city officials said during the meeting.
Other proposed rules clarify that dogs may not roam off an owner’s property without restraint. Stray or loose dogs could be impounded for at least five days. City leaders say the update comes after years of complaints about stray and aggressive animals in neighborhoods.
“I’m just glad that we are revamping this because we get a lot of calls about vicious dogs in neighborhoods,” Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler said. “We want to keep the city safe from vicious dogs like we’ve had.”
The ordinance also includes updated procedures for impounding animals, handling exotic species and setting fines for repeated violations. City staff say working more closely with Orangeburg County could help expand space for animals that need to be picked up.
Residents who spoke with News19 said they hope the changes will reduce the number of strays.
“I think Orangeburg is moving in the right direction,” resident Makeiba Lewis said. “There are a lot of stray animals around the city … it causes a nuisance to people who are just going in and out of stores or in your neighborhood. So I think that’s a great idea.”
Lewis said she also believes the rules could help children feel safer outside.
“So my child can go outside and play without having to worry about a stray animal coming into the yard,” she said.
