I found the county law which is titled something like "sheriff to dispose of vicious animal", and it is pretty clear that IF (for pretty much any reason he can make up) the sheriff suspects an animal is vicious, he may impound it until a "formal process" or hearing to determine the dangerousness of the animal is determined. I will go see the DA (States Attorney in SD I believe) to at least get the proper law the sheriff was acting under in writing. My police report says "I, the sheriff, told him there is law against vicious animals in SD" we discussed "his options" (all of which included my dog would die that day, either in a hale of gunfire upon storming my house or I bring him in). But both in the sheriffs job description, under county ordinance and state law it sure seems that there is a process and hearing before killing the dog. I will post here tomorrow whatever I find.

