The government extends its existing restrictions to additional cities, framing the regulations as necessary for public order.
**Iran Enforces Stricter Dog Walking Regulations Nationwide**
**Iran Enforces Stricter Dog Walking Regulations Nationwide**
Officials across Iran institute a comprehensive ban on dog walking amid cultural concerns and public safety rhetoric.
Iranian authorities have further intensified their crackdown on dog ownership by expanding a previously established ban on dog walking across numerous cities in the country. This recent initiative, which now encompasses at least 18 cities in addition to the capital, Tehran, is claimed to address purported public health and safety issues. Officials have also deemed it illegal to transport dogs in vehicles, reflecting a long-standing disdain for canine companionship in Iranian society.
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, dogs have been viewed by the regime as "unclean" animals, signifying a residual influence of Western culture. Despite this stigmatization, interest in dog ownership has been increasing, particularly among the younger population who see it as an act of defiance against a restrictive government. Cities like Isfahan and Kerman have recently enacted similar bans, with officials threatening legal actions against violators.
While there is no formal nationwide prohibition on dog ownership, local authorities frequently implement restrictions that are often spottily enforced. Reports indicate that despite the crackdown, many dog owners in Tehran continue to walk their pets openly or late at night to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor from Hamedan, asserts that dog walking poses a threat to "public health, peace, and comfort." Historically, dog owners have faced arrest and the confiscation of their pets, and recent laws have been met with criticism from advocates who argue that law enforcement should prioritize pressing matters like violent crime instead of infringing upon personal liberties.
The regime's leaders and several religious officials have condemned dog ownership, labeling it un-Islamic. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously described keeping dogs—not for practical purposes like herding or security—as "reprehensible." Legislative efforts in 2021 indicated that some lawmakers consider pet ownership a "destructive social problem," asserting it could undermine traditional Iranian values. In addition, advertising for pets has been banned since 2010, showcasing a systematic effort to dissuade pet ownership within the country.
As Iran continues this stringent approach toward animal ownership, critics maintain there is an urgent need to focus on genuine public safety concerns rather than penalizing those who simply desire the companionship of a pet.
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, dogs have been viewed by the regime as "unclean" animals, signifying a residual influence of Western culture. Despite this stigmatization, interest in dog ownership has been increasing, particularly among the younger population who see it as an act of defiance against a restrictive government. Cities like Isfahan and Kerman have recently enacted similar bans, with officials threatening legal actions against violators.
While there is no formal nationwide prohibition on dog ownership, local authorities frequently implement restrictions that are often spottily enforced. Reports indicate that despite the crackdown, many dog owners in Tehran continue to walk their pets openly or late at night to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor from Hamedan, asserts that dog walking poses a threat to "public health, peace, and comfort." Historically, dog owners have faced arrest and the confiscation of their pets, and recent laws have been met with criticism from advocates who argue that law enforcement should prioritize pressing matters like violent crime instead of infringing upon personal liberties.
The regime's leaders and several religious officials have condemned dog ownership, labeling it un-Islamic. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously described keeping dogs—not for practical purposes like herding or security—as "reprehensible." Legislative efforts in 2021 indicated that some lawmakers consider pet ownership a "destructive social problem," asserting it could undermine traditional Iranian values. In addition, advertising for pets has been banned since 2010, showcasing a systematic effort to dissuade pet ownership within the country.
As Iran continues this stringent approach toward animal ownership, critics maintain there is an urgent need to focus on genuine public safety concerns rather than penalizing those who simply desire the companionship of a pet.
