This bill aims to modify the existing law regarding the crime of cruelty to animals in South Dakota. It introduces a new provision that specifies that individuals who commit animal cruelty in an especially depraved, heinous, sadistic, or wicked manner will be classified as guilty of a Class 4 felony.

By establishing this new classification, the bill seeks to increase the penalties for particularly egregious acts of animal cruelty, thereby enhancing legal repercussions for offenders and promoting stronger protections for animals.