Minnehaha County does NOT use the term 'animal hoarding' in MC52-17, but the ordinance regulates the underlying conduct through three mechanisms: (1) the four-animal cap on dogs/cats/pot-bellied pigs in Residential Development Areas under § 3.07(A); (2) the noise/welfare nuisance provisions of § 3.07(B); and (3) seizure authority under § 3.03 backed by SDCL § 40-1-2.4 (inhumane treatment / failure to provide minimum care for animals) and SDCL § 40-1-21 (cruelty to animals). South Dakota's animal-cruelty statute is the primary tool for cases that meet the clinical definition of hoarding.
Direct county hooks: § 3.07(A) makes it 'unlawful for any person to have or to keep more than a combined total of four (4) dogs, cats or pot-bellied pigs over the age of six months' in a Residential Development Area. § 3.07(B) authorizes abatement of an owner who 'allow[s] the animal to create a frequent, habitual or continued disturbance.' Article IV (Reclamation & Disposition of Seized Animals) gives the Animal Control Officer authority, with a court order under § 3.03, to seize animals from owners who fail to provide adequate care. State law overlay: SDCL § 40-1-2.4 defines inhumane treatment and failure to provide minimum standards of care (food, water, shelter, veterinary care). SDCL § 40-1-21 (cruelty to animals) is a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 6 felony when aggravated or repeated. SDCL § 40-1-5 authorizes seizure of mistreated animals by law enforcement. The State's Attorney prosecutes hoarding cases under these statutes; the county Animal Control Officer assists with seizure and shelter intake.
County Animal Control Ordinance violation: Class 2 misdemeanor (§ 8.01) — up to 30 days jail and/or $500 fine. Owner pays all impoundment, board, and veterinary costs (§ 4.01(C), 5.02). State cruelty: SDCL § 40-1-21 — Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail and/or $2,000 fine) for first offense; Class 6 felony (up to 2 years prison and/or $4,000 fine) for repeat or aggravated cases. Court may order forfeiture of all animals and bar future ownership under SDCL § 40-1-27.
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