TO AMEND SECTION 47-3-20, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO ENACT ORDINANCES FOR THE CARE AND CONTROL OF ANIMALS, SO AS TO AUTHORIZE A COUNTY OR MUNICIPALITY TO ALLOW ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS TO CARRY FIREARMS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 47-3-20 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

    "Section 47-3-20.    The governing body of each county or municipality in this State may enact ordinances and promulgate regulations for the care and control of dogs, cats, and other animals and to prescribe penalties for violations. A governing body that enacts ordinances and promulgates regulations must employ Class 3 animal control officers and, at the discretion of the governing body, may authorize these officers to carry firearms."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.