No person may intentionally kill any animal of any age or value, the property of another, nor intentionally injure or mistreat any such animal. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section may not be construed to prevent euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian with proper authority from the animal's owner nor may it prevent acts of euthanasia authorized by this chapter. This section may not be construed to prohibit euthanasia conducted by the municipality or under a municipality's animal control activities. This section may not be construed to prohibit activities conducted under chapter 40-34.
S.D. Codified Laws § 40-1-21
Killing, injuring, or mistreating animal of another as misdemeanor--Authorized euthanasia excepted
Applied in 1 court decision — leading case 45 F. Supp. 3d 1043 - Christensen v. Quinn (2014)
Most recently applied in 45 F. Supp. 3d 1043 - Christensen v. Quinn (September 2014)
Source: SDC 1939, § 13.1426; SL 1977, ch 190, § 453; SL 1991, ch 331, § 32; SL 2014, ch 194, § 17.
Official source: South Dakota Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain South Dakota statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.