40-1-21. Killing, injuring, or mistreating animal of another as misdemeanor–Authorized euthanasia excepted.
No person may intentionally kill any animal of any age or value, the property of another, nor intentionally injure or mistreat any such animal. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section may not be construed to prevent euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian with proper authority from the animal’s owner nor may it prevent acts of euthanasia authorized by this chapter. This section may not be construed to prohibit euthanasia conducted by the municipality or under a municipality’s animal control activities. This section may not be construed to prohibit activities conducted under chapter 40-34.
Source: SDC 1939, §13.1426; SL 1977, ch 190, §453; SL 1991, ch 331, §32; SL 2014, ch 194, §17.