Hoping for some feedback to determine if this is a reasonable ask. Dogs killed 5x 8mo birds that just started to lay, I recovered the dogs and the police got involved so there's basically a solid case, what I'm not sure on are the numbers if they're reasonable or not:

PLAINTIFF’S STATEMENT OF CLAIM AND DAMAGES

Plaintiff:
Defendants:
Defendant Address:

1. Statement of Incident

On DATE, dogs owned or controlled by the Defendants entered my property without permission. During this incident, the dogs destroyed a section of my fence and killed five (5) laying hens.

At the time of the incident, the hens were approximately eight (8) months old and had recently reached productive laying age. These hens were being raised for egg production for personal use and sale.

The incident was reported to the Police Department and documented under Incident Report #: #######.

2. Applicable Law – Liability for Dogs Killing Livestock (South Dakota)

Pursuant to South Dakota Codified Laws § 40-34-2:

“Any person owning, keeping, or harboring a dog that chases, worries, injures, or kills any poultry or domestic animal is liable for damages to the owner thereof for any injury caused by the dog…”

Under this statute, the Defendants are liable for damages because their dogs entered my property and killed poultry (laying hens). This law directly applies and establishes responsibility for the losses incurred.

The statute further provides that a judgment for such damages may be enforced against the Defendants’ property as allowed by law.

3. Itemized Damages

A. Property Damage

Fence repair/replacement:.............................................. $220

B. Livestock Replacement Cost

5 laying hens @ $6 each:.............................................. $30

C. Feed Investment (8 months)

Estimated 300 lbs of feed consumed (.25 lb/day per hen, 1.25 lb/day x 240 days = 300lb)
6 bags @ $15 per 50 lb bag:.................................... $90

D. Loss of Income (Egg Production)

Average production: ~2 dozen eggs per week (5 hens)
Market value: $4 per dozen → $8 per week
Remaining productive lifespan (conservative): 2 years (104 weeks)
$8 × 104 weeks:....................................................... $832

4. Total Damages

Category	Amount
Property Damage	$220
Livestock Replacement	$30
Feed Investment	$90
Loss of Income	$832
Total Damages	$1,172

5. Supporting Evidence

The following evidence is available and will be provided in support of this claim:

Photographs of the deceased chickens immediately following the incident
Photographs of the dogs involved, including visible collars
Photographs of the damaged fence
Retained physical evidence of the damaged fence (photographs available)
Police report documenting the incident and associated evidence
Documentation of original fence cost (website/screenshots)
Documentation of feed costs (receipts or comparable pricing)
Market pricing evidence for egg sales (if applicable)

6. Demand for Judgment

Plaintiff respectfully requests judgment against the Defendants in the amount of $1,172, plus any allowable court costs and fees.

Location: South Dakota

u/J2E1

Any idea when 13.1 will be available?

Small claims court for chickens killed by dog.