BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – This month, a man in Berkeley County had his hunting dog shot. He wants people to know what rights, if any, these animals have in South Carolina.
Hunter KJ Rhode says that he was in the Francis Marion National Forest with his dogs on Wednesday when Highball chased a deer and crossed onto private land. He says that’s when Michael Trent Williams shot him.
Two counts of taking off dog tags and one count of shooting and killing a hunting dog have been brought against Williams by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He was freed from jail on bond after some time.
Rhode said, “I would have hit him if he let my dog go 50 more yards.”
Rhode isn’t the only one who is hurt, though. The SCDNR says that since September 1, 2023, they have charged 48 people with dog hunting in line with the law. For four of them, the crime was killing or hurting a hunting dog.
This person could get a $500 fine or 30 days in jail. Stephan Futeral, an attorney, says there is a minimum, though.
“You could be charged with it and not get in trouble,” Futeral said.
He says that the effects are up to you.
Futeral said, “If you take the same case to a different magistrate, you might get a different result.”
Rhode says that his friend lost his dog in a very similar situation in Sumter County last year. The person who was found guilty was only fined $125, he says.
“I believe it should be the same for all dogs, you know?” Rhode said. “I think it should be the same for all dogs, whether they are house dogs or hunting dogs.”
Futeral says South Carolina needs to sign a stronger law that requires the harsh results on this so it is not up to the judge.
“For magistrates to take a hard line, if you will, and be a little more consistent in the decisions they make,” Futeral said.
Rhode says that all he wants is for Highball to be punished.
Williams has a court date on December 2. He could also get up to a $500 fine or 10 days in jail for taking off the electronic dog collars. For a second crime, he could get up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail.
Rhode said, “They’re not just hunting dogs.” “I mean, we take care of these dogs every day.”
Source: Push made for harsher penalties for killing hunting dogs in SC
