South Dakota § 40-28-4 - Liability for trespass by livestock--Exception where fence inadequate.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-28-4 — Liability for trespass by livestock--Exception where fence inadequate., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40-28-4. Liability for trespass by livestock--Exception where fence inadequate.
Except as in this chapter otherwise provided, any person owning or having charge or possession of any buffalo, horses, mules, cattle, goats, sheep, or swine that trespass upon the land, either fenced or unfenced, owned by or in possession of any person, or being cropped by any person injured by such trespass, is liable to any such person injured for all damages sustained by reason of the trespass. No person is liable under this chapter if the person injured has maintained an inadequate partition fence and notice thereof has been given pursuant to § 43-23-5 or if the person is not required to build the fence because of frozen earth pursuant to § 43-23-7.
Source: CCivP 1877, § 747; SL 1883, ch 115, § 1; SL 1885 (Spec. Laws), ch 17, §§ 4, 5; CL 1887, § 5569; RCCivP 1903, §§ 817, 829, 830; SL 1907, ch 244, § 1; RC 1919, §§ 2921, 2922; SL 1919, ch 350; SL 1921, ch 405; SL 1933, ch 6; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.2401; SL 1978, ch 286; SL 2001, ch 224, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 40-28-4
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-28-4 cover?
Section 40-28-4 ("Liability for trespass by livestock--Exception where fence inadequate.") 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 § 40-28-4?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-28-4" (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 § 40-28-4 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.