South Dakota § 40-2-7 - Enforcement by law enforcement officer or animal control officer--Powers.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-2-7 — Enforcement by law enforcement officer or animal control officer--Powers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-2-7. Enforcement by law enforcement officer or animal control officer--Powers.
Any law enforcement agency may enforce the provisions of this chapter or chapter 40-1. An animal care and control agency may enforce the provisions of this chapter or chapter 40-1 in a county or municipality if the legislative authority of the county or municipality has entered into a contract with the agency to enforce the provisions of this chapter and chapter 40-1. An animal control officer enforcing this chapter or chapter 40-1 shall comply with the same constitutional and statutory restrictions concerning the execution of police powers imposed on a law enforcement officer who enforces this chapter, chapter 40-1, and other criminal laws. An animal control officer has the following enforcement powers when enforcing this chapter:
(1) The power to issue citations based on probable cause to offenders for misdemeanor and felony violations of this chapter or chapter 40-1;
(2) The power to request that a law enforcement officer arrest and take into custody any person the animal control officer has probable cause to believe has committed or is committing a violation of this chapter or chapter 40-1. An animal control officer may make an oral complaint to a prosecuting attorney or a law enforcement officer to initiate an arrest. The animal control officer causing the arrest shall file with the arresting agency a written complaint within twenty-four hours of the arrest, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, stating the alleged act or acts constituting a violation;
(3) The power to carry protective devices, other than firearms, for personal protection;
(4) The power to prepare affidavits in support of search warrants and to execute search warrants when accompanied by law enforcement officers to investigate violations of this chapter or chapter 40-1, and to seize evidence of those violations.
Source: SL 2006, ch 211, § 3.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 40-2-7
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-2-7 cover?
Section 40-2-7 ("Enforcement by law enforcement officer or animal control officer--Powers.") 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 § 40-2-7?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-2-7" (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 § 40-2-7 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.