SD Game, Fish, & Park vote against allowing pets in camping facilities

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has denied a proposal to allow pets inside camping facilities like cabins and suites at state park and recreation areas.   Director of Parks and Recreation Scott Simpson says more people have pets, in part to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A 10-dollar fee per reservation would have been charged to include a pet in stay.

The Commission voted five-one to approve the proposal.  Commissioner Travis Bies of Fairburn was the only no vote to end the proposal.

While the proposal was killed on the first day of the two-day meeting, Bies brought an amended proposal back that would only allow dogs and cats in camping facilities.  The amended measure passed and public comment is being taken on the proposal for the next 60 days.