Harassment by neighbors can take many forms, including yelling obscenities; loud and disruptive noises (especially at night) from parties, fights, or other activities; threatening or abusive behavior; or damage to your home or yard by pets.

If your neighbor’s behavior is merely annoying and not abusive, threatening, or criminal conduct, you may be able to resolve the issue with a courteous discussion. But if your neighbor’s conduct is threatening, abusive, violates a noise ordinance, or is a criminal offense such as stalking, trespassing, or peeping, for example, you may be able to get assistance from the police (call 911 in an emergency) or from the civil courts in the form of a restraining order.

In South Dakota, harassment by neighbors is addressed through various legal avenues depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. For non-criminal behavior that is annoying but not threatening, such as minor noise complaints or pet issues, it is often recommended to attempt to resolve the matter through direct communication with the neighbor. However, when the behavior escalates to threatening, abusive, or criminal conduct, such as stalking, trespassing, or violating noise ordinances, legal intervention may be necessary. Victims can contact local law enforcement, especially in emergencies by dialing 911, to report such incidents. Law enforcement can take action if the conduct violates criminal laws. Additionally, victims may seek a restraining order or other civil remedies through the courts to prevent further harassment. It's important to document any incidents of harassment to support any legal actions taken.