A crackdown on pet ownership is taking shape in Iran, as dog walking has recently been prohibited in more than a dozen cities, reflecting a broader trend in the Islamic Republic against what is perceived as Western cultural influence.
Iran Enforces Wider Dog Walking Ban Amid Public Health Claims
Iran Enforces Wider Dog Walking Ban Amid Public Health Claims
Iranian authorities extend their controversial dog walking ban to multiple cities, citing public order and health concerns.
Iranian officials have announced the expansion of the dog walking ban, which originally took effect in Tehran in 2019. Now, at least 18 additional cities, including Isfahan and Kerman, have enforced similar restrictions claimed to be aimed at ensuring public order and safety. Transportation of dogs in vehicles has also been outlawed.
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, dog ownership has been looked down upon by authorities. Dogs are often viewed as "unclean," and owning one is seen as a remnant of Western culture. Despite the government's efforts to discourage this practice, the popularity of dog ownership is growing, especially among the younger population who see it as a form of defiance against the restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime.
An official from Ilam, where the ban was instituted last Sunday, indicated that violators would face "legal action." However, enforcement has often been inconsistent, with many dog owners still choosing to walk their pets despite the potential for arrests and confiscation of animals.
Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of Hamedan, echoed the tone of the authorities, labeling dog walking a threat to public health and safety. In this context, some Iranian dog owners have opted to walk their pets in secluded areas at night or transport them discreetly to escape the new regulations.
The political climate in Iran further complicates the ownership of pets. Many politicians declare dog ownership un-Islamic, and several religious leaders regard interactions with dogs and their saliva as "najis," or ritually impure. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned pet ownership outside of utility roles, and in 2021, 75 lawmakers labeled it a "destructive social problem."
Additionally, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has long discouraged pet ownership, banning advertisements related to pets and contemplating fines for dog walkers, although such proposals have historically failed in legislature.
As enforcement of the ban tightens, critics argue that the government should focus on tackling rising violent crime instead of restricting the freedoms of dog owners. The act of owning a pet has become a subtle rebellion against wider societal restrictions, mirroring other acts of defiance, such as protests against mandatory hijab laws and participation in underground activities.
Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, dog ownership has been looked down upon by authorities. Dogs are often viewed as "unclean," and owning one is seen as a remnant of Western culture. Despite the government's efforts to discourage this practice, the popularity of dog ownership is growing, especially among the younger population who see it as a form of defiance against the restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime.
An official from Ilam, where the ban was instituted last Sunday, indicated that violators would face "legal action." However, enforcement has often been inconsistent, with many dog owners still choosing to walk their pets despite the potential for arrests and confiscation of animals.
Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of Hamedan, echoed the tone of the authorities, labeling dog walking a threat to public health and safety. In this context, some Iranian dog owners have opted to walk their pets in secluded areas at night or transport them discreetly to escape the new regulations.
The political climate in Iran further complicates the ownership of pets. Many politicians declare dog ownership un-Islamic, and several religious leaders regard interactions with dogs and their saliva as "najis," or ritually impure. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has condemned pet ownership outside of utility roles, and in 2021, 75 lawmakers labeled it a "destructive social problem."
Additionally, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has long discouraged pet ownership, banning advertisements related to pets and contemplating fines for dog walkers, although such proposals have historically failed in legislature.
As enforcement of the ban tightens, critics argue that the government should focus on tackling rising violent crime instead of restricting the freedoms of dog owners. The act of owning a pet has become a subtle rebellion against wider societal restrictions, mirroring other acts of defiance, such as protests against mandatory hijab laws and participation in underground activities.
