Code Enforcement

KERSHAW COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER - LITTLE STREET ENTRANCE

Kershaw County Code Enforcement
515 Walnut St. Room 219
Camden, SC 29020
803-425-6017

Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Animal Control and Code Enforcement Services

Kershaw County Code Enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining community well-being by addressing issues related to animals and code violations. Our primary function is to assist residents in resolving problems with stray or unrestrained animals, litter, and other code-related concerns.

Animal Control  Emergency Services

On-Call Officer Availability:
An on-call officer is available to answer calls after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as on weekends and county holidays. This service is dedicated to emergency animal calls only.

• Emergency Contact : 803-425-7671

Addressing Stray or Unrestrained Animals:

Code Enforcement officers are equipped to handle situations involving stray or unrestrained animals. Their methods include:

• Removing the animals to ensure public safety.

• Engaging with animal owners to educate them on restraint laws.

• Working collaboratively with owners to secure their animals properly.

In instances where these initial approaches are unsuccessful, officers have the authority to issue citations for non-compliance with animal restraint laws. All Code Enforcement officers are sworn law enforcement officers, enabling them to issue citations for violations of any county or state law pertaining to animals. When making a report, the officer will need the following information:

• Your Name and Contact Information: This allows the officer to follow up if more details are needed, and also provide your address.

• Location of Violation: Specific address or cross streets where the violation occurred.

• Date and Time of Violation: As accurate as possible.

• Description of Violation: Detailed information about what you observed.

• Individuals/Animals Involved (if applicable): Include physical descriptions, breed, color, sex, etc.

• Any Supporting Evidence: Photos or videos, if available.

What to do if you have a Lost or Found animal.

A lost pet does not immediately need to be taken to a shelter.

If you found a lost animal in your community, here are some things you can do to give them the best chance for a happy reunion with their family.

• Begin your search as soon as you notice your pet is missing .Time matters.

•  Post on Lost and Found Pets of Kershaw County on Facebook

• Submit a Lost and Found Form https://forms.gle/8ssP6pq2XvDvdZ1n6

• Contact your  local Animal Shelters and check the facilities frequently .

• Post on on 24PetConnet 

• Contact your pets microchip company 

• Post on Nextdoor.com 

• Make flyers( Share flyers with your neighbors and vet clinics)

What to do when I’ve found a litter of kittens?

It is a question that gets asked hundreds of times throughout kitten season. Since kittens require overnight care, most shelters are unable to care for kittens who may be unsocial or too young to be put up for adoption.

Below are five easy steps to help you navigate kitten season while also making a difference in the lives of our feline friends.

#1 LOOK, WAIT, WATCH

At first, keep your distance to determine if the kittens have a mother who may just be out gathering food for them. Put blades of grass or twigs on tiny kittens as a way to see if Mom came back without hovering. You don’t want to scare her away! The mother cat will always offer them a better chance of survival. If you don’t see the mom within eight hours, they are most likely orphans.

#2 CARE IN PLACE

Leave the family together, while providing food, water and shelter until the kittens can eat on their own. If there is no mom and kittens are too young to be spayed or neutered, you or someone you know who has the time and resources can help care for them in place. Check out this Kitten Care Guide for more information and instructions on Care in Place. Click here for a list of supplies you’ll need to care for a kitten. Additional information on feeding guidelines can be found here.

Raising Orphan Kittens

https://www.greenvillecounty.org/apps/videoarchive/Default.aspx?ID=136&Dept=2&Ctgy=3

#3 SPAY/NEUTER

Affordable spay/neuter services are available at Kershaw County Humane Society . Once of age – approximately 8 weeks old – and provided the kittens are tame and social, be sure to get them spayed or neutered. It is also imperative that the mother cat be fixed or you may find yourself in the same predicament just months later. Females can go into heat and get pregnant while nursing.

#4 HELP FIND HOMES

Nationally, 74 percent of people take in cats from their neighbors or surrounding areas. If you have found that you have the time and resources to help kittens as they grow, be on the search for friends, family, coworkers or neighbors who are looking to adopt a loving feline. Get more tips on homing a pet.

#5 TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN

 Contact the Kershaw County Humane Society for more information

What to do if your pet is on a DHEC hold.

If your pet is on a DHEC hold for 10 days due to biting someone, you are required to:

• Confine the animal: The pet must be strictly confined for the entire 10-day period. This typically means keeping it indoors or in a secure enclosure that prevents contact with other animals or people. The animal must stay on the owners property or the owners veterinarian at the owners expense. 

• Observe for rabies symptoms: Monitor your pet closely for any signs of rabies, such as behavioral changes, aggression, difficulty swallowing, or paralysis.

• Do not vaccinate for rabies during the hold: The animal should not be vaccinated for rabies during the 10-day observation period, as this could interfere with potential diagnostic tests if rabies symptoms were to develop.

• Report any changes: Immediately report any changes in the animal's health or behavior, or if the animal escapes, to DHEC.

• Veterinary examination: In some cases, DHEC may require a veterinarian to examine the animal at the beginning and/or end of the 10-day observation period to confirm its health status.

•  Comply with DHEC instructions: Follow all specific instructions provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regarding the confinement and monitoring of your pet. They will provide guidance on what to do after the 10-day period, which may include a final veterinary check and proof of rabies vaccination if not already current.

Useful Links

Animal Complaint Form

https://forms.gle/J3pnxT2WzrHi1818

Livestock Registration 

https://forms.gle/kHjBEvqpoab5e3pB7 

Lost and Found Animal Form 

https://forms.gle/8ssP6pq2XvDvdZ1n6

Kershaw County Humane Society  

https://kchumanesociety.org

Litter Control 

Reporting Littering:

To report littering, a dedicated 24-hour hotline is available through Litter Busters.

• Litter Busters Hotline: 877-754-8837

• Litter Busters Report Form: https://www.palmettopride.org/litter-buster-online-report/

Litter Investigation and Enforcement:
Code Enforcement officers actively investigate litter complaints received from residents. They are authorized to issue citations for littering violations, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all.

General Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement Officers also collaborate with the Planning and Zoning department and other county departments to enforce various codes. They can issue citations or summons for violations as necessary.

To report a code violation, please submit a form directly with the Planning and Zoning 

Litter Resources 

www.palmettopride.org

SC Litter Laws 

https://www.palmettopride.org/enforcement/sc-litter-laws/

 Common Questions with Answers

• There are cats in my yard. What can I do?
  Residents are encouraged to participate in Trap, Neuter, and Return practices.  For more information contact Kershaw County Humane Society via text line at 803-272-8410

• Why can't I let my pet run freely in Kershaw County? Kershaw County has animal restraint laws in place to ensure public safety and the well-being of animals, in accordance with South Carolina state law § 47-3-10, which addresses the unlawful restraint of dogs, and other related animal control statutes. Code Enforcement officers are authorized to address situations involving stray or unrestrained animals, and they can issue citations for non-compliance with these laws. 

• My neighbor's dog is always barking. Can anything be done? Yes! Barking dogs are covered by the Nuisance Animal Ordinance. If an animal is proven to be a nuisance, the officer can issue citations.

• Why do my pets have to be vaccinated for Rabies? Rabies vaccination is not just a recommendation; it's a legal requirement. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including humans and pets. Once clinical signs appear, the disease is almost always fatal. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect your animal, your family, and your community from this devastating disease.

• There is a raccoon, fox, opossum, or coyote in my yard. Will Animal Control  pick it up?
  Animal Control  is unable to address wildlife concerns. If you are having an issue with wildlife, please contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

• My pet has been stolen. What should I do?
  If you have proof that your pet has been stolen, you will need to file a report with the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office  or your local police department.

• My family member or friend left their pet at my property. Will Animal Control  pick it up?
  Animal Control  does not pick up pets that are owned. If you want to give up the pet, you will need to contact the Kershaw County Humane Society via text line at 803-272-8410  to make an appointment. It will be your responsibility to take the pet to the Kershaw County Humane Society  on that day.

• Where can I view all of Kershaw County Animal Ordnance? All ordinances can be viewed by following the link provided below.  https://library.municode.com/sc/kershaw_county/codes/code_of_ordinances

• How do I get a copy of a report?
  Freedom of Information Act Requests:

The Freedom of Information Act Request to Kershaw County and any information obtained pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act are subject to South Carolina Code Section 30-2-50 . Obtaining personal information from state agency, local government, or other political subdivision for commercial solicitation; penalty.
(A) A person or private entity shall not knowingly obtain or use personal information obtained from a state agency, a local government, or other political subdivision of the State for commercial solicitation directed to any person in this State.
(B) Each state agency, local government, and political subdivision of the State shall provide a notice to all requestors of records pursuant to this chapter and to all persons who obtain records pursuant to this chapter that obtaining or using public records for commercial solicitation directed to any person in this State is prohibited.
(C) All state agencies, local governments, and political subdivisions of the State shall take reasonable measures to ensure that no person or private entity obtains or distributes personal information obtained from a public record for commercial solicitation.
(D) A person knowingly violating the provisions of subsection (A) is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars or imprisoned for a term not to exceed one year, or both.

FOIA Resolution

FOIA Request Form

For questions contact
Johnny Deal
803.677.6490
johnny.deal@kershaw.sc.gov