South Dakota § 22-22-42 - Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-42 — Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-22-42. Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony.
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.
Source: SL 2003, ch 127, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 406.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-22-42
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-42 cover?
Section 22-22-42 ("Bestiality--Acts constituting--Commission a felony.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 22-22-42?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-42" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 22-22-42 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.