In a bizarre move, Iran has expanded its ban on walking dogs in public spaces to more than 20 cities. The decision by the Iranian authorities to impose restrictions on pets in public places has drawn criticism from pet owners and animal lovers.
However, it is not the first time Iran has launched its crackdown against dog walking in public places. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, owning and walking dogs has been a controversial topic in Tehran. Though there is no law banning dog ownership in the country, many including religious scholars consider petting dogs as impure as they raise the concern that there are chances of coming into contact with their saliva.
There are also other views that dog walking is considered a symbol of Western cultural influence.
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Meanwhile, the present ban on dog walking has been imposed citing public health, social order and safety. Without providing the specifics, the Iranian authorities claim that dog walking poses health risks and safety issues to the public.
The ban has been imposed on cities including Ilam, Robat Karim, Hamadan, Kerman, Boroujerd, and Kermanshah.
Authorities have been cracking down on dog owners who violate the ban, leading to arrests and resistance.
Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in 2010 had banned the media from publishing advertisements for pets or pet-related products. Reportedly, there was even a push in parliament to fine and flog dog walkers.
Etemad, the reformist newspaper, reported an official from Ilam city stating, "legal action will be taken against violators."
In 2017, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that "keeping dogs for reasons other than herding, hunting and guarding dogs is considered reprehensible."
"If this practice resembles that of non-Muslims, promotes their culture or causes harm and disturbance to neighbours, it is deemed forbidden," he was quoted by AFP.
