prohibit the misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal and to provide a penalty therefor.

Criminal penalties for false service-animal claims

South Dakota law protects service-animal access for people with disabilities by making intentional false claims a Class 2 misdemeanor. The rule covers animals in a person's possession at places open to the public. It applies to claims made through statements or conduct to gain rights or privileges the person knows they cannot claim. A service animal must be a dog trained to do work or tasks directly related to a person's disability. Deterring crime through the dog's presence, emotional support, well-being, comfort, and companionship do not count as work or tasks.