An Act to increase the penalty for neglect, abandonment, and mistreatment of animals.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota:

Section 1. That § 40-1-2.3 be AMENDED:

40-1-2.3. No person owning or responsible for the care of an animal may neglect, abandon, or mistreat the animal. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. If the neglect, abandonment, or mistreatment results in serious physical injury, illness, bodily injury or death of the animal, the violation is a Class 6 felony.