The governing bodies of the several counties in this State, when in their judgment it is necessary, shall require the sheriff to purchase a pair of bloodhounds or other serviceable dogs to be kept at the courthouse and used as he may deem expedient for the tracking and arrest of escaped convicts and other fugitive lawbreakers. The governing body of each county may appropriate the sum of one hundred dollars, if so much be necessary, for the purchase of such dogs.
S.C. Code § 23-1-100