Iranian authorities have expanded a ban on dog walking to numerous cities nationwide, citing public order and safety concerns.
This expansion, mirroring a 2019 Tehran ban, now affects at least 18 additional cities. The transportation of dogs in vehicles is also prohibited.
Dog ownership has been discouraged in Iran since the 1979 revolution, with dogs viewed as unclean and symbolic of Western influence.
Despite this, dog ownership is increasing, particularly among young people, seen by some as a form of resistance to the regime.
Recent bans have been implemented in cities such as Isfahan and Kerman, according to AFP.
Ilam city officials have announced legal repercussions for violations of the new regulations.
Enforcement of past restrictions has been inconsistent, with many continuing to walk dogs publicly in Tehran and elsewhere.
While no national law explicitly bans dog ownership, local restrictions, frequently enforced by police, are common.
Hamedan’s prosecutor, Abbas Najafi, stated that dog walking jeopardizes public health, peace, and tranquility, as reported in the state newspaper Iran.
Owners have faced arrest and dog confiscation for public dog walking.
Many owners now walk their dogs in secluded areas at night or transport them by car to avoid detection.
The Islamic regime views pet ownership as un-Islamic, with many religious scholars considering contact with dogs ritually impure (“najis”).
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously condemned dog ownership, except for working purposes.
In 2021, 75 lawmakers denounced dog ownership as a destructive social issue potentially altering Iranian and Islamic lifestyles.
Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance banned pet-related advertising in 2010. A 2014 parliamentary proposal to fine or flog dog walkers failed to pass.
Critics contend that police resources should prioritize public safety concerns, rather than targeting dog owners and restricting personal freedoms.
Dog ownership, alongside defying hijab laws, attending underground events, and alcohol consumption, represents a form of quiet rebellion against Iran’s theocratic rule.
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