SD: South Dakota
Summary: South Dakota has only a harm statute: killing a law enforcement animal is a Class 6 felony (SDCL 22-11-36). Nothing was found on vests, EMS, retirement or retired care.
Body armor
- None found.
Medical & insurance
- None found. SDCL 36-12-2 has no emergency exemption for dogs; its owner exemption covers livestock only.
Retirement & service limits
- None found.
Post retirement care
- None found.
Penalties for harming police animals
- SDCL 22-11-36.
- Intentionally and unjustifiably killing a law enforcement support animal: Class 6 felony.
- Injuring, tormenting, striking, disabling or tampering with one: Class 1 misdemeanor.
- Harassing, taunting, provoking, or interfering with it or its handler: Class 2 misdemeanor.
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Pending or failed bills
- None found.
Sources
- SDCL 22-11-36: https://getpocketlaw.com/law/state_south_dakota/section-22-11-36-killing-injury-or-interference-with-a-law-enforcement-support-animal-prohibited-felony-or-misdemeanor_45ac600348c7
- 2010 SL ch. 113: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Session_Laws/Chapter/4548
- ALDF SD (2023): https://aldf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Animal-Protection-Laws-of-South-Dakota-2023-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund.pdf
- K9 Medic map: https://www.k9medic.com/k9-laws/