clarify the prohibition on injuring or harassing a service animal.

Stronger protections for service dog users

South Dakota law protects service dogs accompanying people with disabilities from malicious harm or interference. Banned acts include beating, injuring, attempting injury, harassing, intimidating, enticing, distracting, or otherwise interfering with the dog. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Only dogs trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the person's disability qualify. The definition follows the federal standard as of January 1, 2026; this is not an effective date. Emotional support, well-being, comfort, companionship, or crime deterrence from a dog's presence alone do not count as work or tasks.