South Dakota Codified Laws 22-11-36. Killing, injury, or interference with a law enforcement support animal prohibited–Felony or misdemeanor
If any person intentionally and unjustifiably kills a law enforcement animal, the person is guilty of a Class 6 felony. If any person intentionally and unjustifiably causes physical injury to, torments, strikes, disables, or tampers with a law enforcement support animal, the person is guilty of Class 1 misdemeanor. If any person harasses, taunts, or provokes a law enforcement support animal; interferes with a law enforcement support animal while the animal is working; or interferes with the individual handling the animal, the person is guilty of Class 2 misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, the term, law enforcement support animal, means any animal that is on duty which is being used by or on behalf of a law enforcement officer in the performance of the officer’s functions and duties.
This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer or a veterinarian who terminates the life of a law enforcement support animal to relieve the animal of undue suffering and pain.
Attorney's Note
Under the South Dakota Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 6 felony | up to 2 years | up to $4,000 |
| Class 1 misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $2,00 |
| Class 2 misdemeanor | up to 30 days | up to $500 |
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 22-11-36
- Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
Source: SL 2010, ch 113, § 1.