UPDATE 12/16/25: The ordinance was tabled at tonight’s meeting with the motion made due to hearing concerns from many local residents. USARK’s Phil Goss was there to represent responsible animal owners and received an acknowledgement from the Council, which was greatly appreciated. We value the Council’s engagement and thoughtful consideration on this issue. The Council plans to have it on the February 17 agenda. Thank you to all of those who voiced their concern.
UPDATE 12/13/25: This is on the December 16 agenda. We are uncertain what, if any, changes will be made and encourage local residents to continue their opposition.
MEETING: December 16 at 6:00 PM. City Council Chambers 933 Middleton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Sample Letter (remember to be civil and professional)
Email list: michael.butler@orangeburg.sc.us, publiccomment@orangeburg.sc.us, jordan.hawkins@orangeburg.sc.us, kalu.kalu@orangeburg.sc.us, jerry.hannah@orangeburg.sc.us, annette.grevious@orangeburg.sc.us, liz.keitt@orangeburg.sc.us, sandra.knotts@orangeburg.sc.us
Subject line: Opposition to animal ordinance
I am an Orangeburg resident and a responsible animal owner who opposes the “exotic creature” ban. I oppose this draft and find it overreaching and unjust. The definitions are broad and open to interpretation. Law enforcement officers unfamiliar with animals could apply these to completely harmless species.
Contrary to the misinformation in the proposal, many of the listed species are not inherently dangerous. In fact, monitor lizards are specifically listed and banned. These lizards are nonvenomous, and some species only reach 7″ as adults while weighing only a few ounces. If you are banning harmless 7″ lizards, then many common pet reptiles will be banned. With this, many common species could be labeled “exotic creatures” and seized from owners. There is no provision for current owners to keep their animals.
There are alternatives to bans, such as biosecurity and caging standards. Animals held privately and securely are not public safety concerns. Please table this ordinance and further research the subject. Thank you for your consideration, and have a good day.
YOUR NAME
UPDATE 12/2/25: Thanks to some Council members voicing logic and reason, the ordinance was tabled (postponed) until some changes can be made. Specifically, concerned Council members want revisions to the “exotic creature” section and the addition of a grandfather provision. The City Administrator and a Council member noted the opposition and education from USARK. Thank you to everyone who spoke up!
Orangeburg has proposed a ban on “exotic creatures” that includes a vague definition, leaving it open to interpretation. It specifically bans all monitor lizards (including dwarf species that fit in your hand as adults), along with many others. Also, there is no provision allowing current owners to keep their animals. For the majority of people who are unfamiliar with reptiles and other animals, many species would be classified as “exotic creatures.” While example species are provided, the definition reads “includes, but is not limited to,” which means species not listed can be banned and seized. The ordinance also covers dogs, agricultural animals, chickens (limited to four), and other animals. This could pass tonight (December 2) as it is the second reading. Local residents need to speak at the meeting and voice opposition and concerns ASAP.
Proposed definition for “exotic creatures”: General description. Any wild, feral, non-domestic, venomous, etc. type of animal that, by reason of inherent, natural propensities of the type of creature, poses a threat of serious bodily injury to a human… Exotic creatures is a category that includes, but is not limited to… (full definition at link below)
MEETING: December 2 at 6:00 PM. City Council Chambers 933 Middleton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
LINK to full draft: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23-orangeburg-sc.pdf
Sample Letter (remember to be civil and professional)
Email list: michael.butler@orangeburg.sc.us, publiccomment@orangeburg.sc.us, jordan.hawkins@orangeburg.sc.us, kalu.kalu@orangeburg.sc.us, jerry.hannah@orangeburg.sc.us, annette.grevious@orangeburg.sc.us, liz.keitt@orangeburg.sc.us, sandra.knotts@orangeburg.sc.us
Subject line: Opposition to animal ordinance
I am an Orangeburg resident and a responsible animal owner who was unaware of the proposed “exotic creature” ban. I oppose this draft and find it overreaching and unjust. There is no provision for current owners to keep their animals. The definitions are broad and open to interpretation. Law enforcement officers unfamiliar with animals could apply these to completely harmless species.
Contrary to the misinformation in the proposal, many of the listed species are not inherently dangerous. In fact, monitor lizards are specifically listed and banned. These lizards are nonvenomous, and some species only reach 7″ as adults while weighing only a few ounces. If you are banning harmless 7″ lizards, then many common pet reptiles will be banned. With this, many common species could be labeled “exotic creatures” and can then be seized from owners.
There are alternatives to bans, such as biosecurity and caging standards. Animals held privately and securely are not public safety concerns. Please table this ordinance and further research the subject. Thank you for your consideration, and have a good day.
YOUR NAME
