South Dakota statute
SDCL § 22-22-42 — Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony
Current through text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)
Part of Chapter 22: Sex Offenses, South Dakota Codified Laws.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of SDCL § 22-22-42
Statutory text current through the text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of South Dakota.
No person, for the purpose of that person's sexual gratification, may:
(1) Engage in a sexual act with an animal; or
(2) Coerce any other person to engage in a sexual act with an animal; or
(3) Use any part of the person's body or an object to sexually stimulate an animal; or
(4) Videotape a person engaging in a sexual act with an animal; or
(5) Kill or physically abuse an animal.
Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of the crime of bestiality. Bestiality is a Class 6 felony. However, if the person has been previously convicted of a sex crime pursuant to § 22-24B-1, any subsequent violation of this section is a Class 5 felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is bestiality a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?
It depends on the circumstances: bestiality ranges from a Class 6 Felony to a Class 5 Felony in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-22-42.
Bestiality (first offense): Class 6 Felony (SDCL § 22-22-42) · Bestiality (subsequent offense after prior sex crime conviction): Class 5 Felony (SDCL § 22-22-42)
Which South Dakota statute covers bestiality?
Bestiality is governed by SDCL § 22-22-42 (Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.