Currently a misdemeanor charge, animal cruelty could become a felony in South Dakota under a proposal intended to satisfy concerns of both animal welfare groups and livestock producers.
This bill would make intentional and malicious acts of torture or other animal cruelty a Class 6 felony, carrying a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison along with a $4,000 fine. The current laws charge this as a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
The Legislature has previously rejected animal cruelty measures from livestock producers. State agricultural officials plan to present to the Legislature what would make it a felony to commit intentional acts of malice, torture, or mutilation against animals and also prove the correct livestock-raising practices which are not mistreatment or abuse.
