SC H4721

Restructures South Carolina's animal cruelty statute (Section 47-1-40) with graduated penalties based on offense severity and number of prior violations

Creates a new offense category for confining animals in vehicles at 90+ degrees, failing to provide food/water, or depriving animals of shelter/sanitary conditions, with penalties escalating based on number of animals affected: misdemeanor for less than 10 animals, felony with up to 5 years for 10-50 animals, felony with up to 10 years for more than 50 animals

Increases penalties for torture, torment, needless mutilation, or cruel killing of animals to felony status with fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and imprisonment from 180 days to 10 years depending on offense number

Allows courts to prohibit convicted offenders from owning, controlling, or having authority over any animal for up to 5 years

Maintains existing exemptions for farm operations, veterinary medicine, agricultural practices, forestry, wildlife management, and activities authorized by the Department of Natural Resources