South Dakota
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
South Dakota
Overall Rank: #35 (Middle Tier)
- +Wide range of care standards/requirements including food, water, shelter, care, and space
- +Sexual assault statute is adequately defined, addressed related crimes, and is a sex offense
- -No felony provisions for negligent or reckless animal neglect or abandonment
- -Veterinarians are not required to report suspected animal cruelty
- -No provisions for pre-conviction forfeiture
Animal Protection Laws of South Dakota
The Animal Protection Laws of South Dakota compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for South Dakota with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
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Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Recent Victories
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Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws