Yes.
Despite South Carolina’s strict liability for dog bites, there are several exceptions in which the dog owner would not face liability, such as:
- If the individual provoked the dog and that led to the dog bite. Provocative behavior that may relieve a dog owner from being liable for the bite can include abusing, teasing, or harassing the dog.
- If the dog was working for law enforcement when the bite occurred, and the bite took place in the normal scope of the dog’s work-related activities. This exception applies if the attack was in direct and complete compliance with a lawful command given by a duty certified canine officer, the dog was trained and certified according to the standards of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council, and the agency that uses the dog has a written policy on the appropriate use of dogs during official law enforcement duties that was complied with during the action. The government agency is liable if the law enforcement dog bites a third party bystander who is not the focus of the law enforcement investigation or activity.
- If the individual was bitten while trespassing on private property without the property owner’s knowledge or permission, and the property owner provided clear signs in a prominent location that indicates an aggressive dog on the property.