What are your thoughts about dog owners, whose dogs die a horrible winter death?

South Carolina law requires that pets kept outdoors must have adequate shelter to protect them from the cold, and many local ordinances mandate that pets must be brought into a temperature-controlled environment when it drops to a specific temperature, often 32°F or 45°F. Failing to provide this can result in fines and jail time for animal cruelty or abandonment.
General State Law Requirements
Adequate Shelter: All outdoor animals must have a weatherproof shelter that has a roof, at least three enclosed sides, a doorway, and a dry floor raised off the ground. The shelter must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Insulation: From November through March, or when temperatures are below 40°F, shelters must contain clean, dry insulating bedding, such as straw, deep enough for the pet to burrow. Blankets and towels are not recommended for outdoor shelters as they absorb moisture and can freeze, making the pet colder.
Water and Food: Pets must have constant access to fresh, unfrozen drinking water and adequate food.
Local Ordinances
Many counties and cities have stricter temperature-specific ordinances. You should check with your local animal services, but common thresholds include:
Spartanburg (City): Pets must be brought inside to a temperature-controlled environment when the temperature is at or below 32°F.
Horry County: Pets cannot be tethered outside during extreme weather, which includes temperatures at or below 45°F. If pets are kept in an outdoor shelter during these times, it must have a windbreak and proper bedding.
Darlington County: It is illegal to tether a pet outside during near-freezing temperatures.
What to Do
If you are cold wearing a jacket, your pet is likely cold too. It is recommended to keep all pets indoors during extreme cold, other than brief outdoor breaks for elimination.
If you witness a violation of these laws, you can contact your local animal control agency or law enforcement to report it.
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