South Dakota Animal Cruelty and Neglect Statute

SDCL 40-1 prohibits inhumane treatment, including failure to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. While South Dakota does not name 'hoarding' specifically, accumulating animals beyond one's ability to provide proper care meets the cruelty and neglect definitions in SDCL 40-1-2.4 and 40-1-21. Law enforcement and licensed humane officers may seize neglected animals under SDCL 40-1-5. Owners face cost recovery for impoundment. The statute applies uniformly in every city and county; municipalities may add complementary nuisance rules but cannot weaken state cruelty thresholds. A felony tier exists for malicious cruelty.

Inhumane treatment is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to one year jail, $2,000 fine). Aggravated cruelty under SDCL 40-1-2.4 is a Class 6 felony with possible animal forfeiture.