Walking with your dog is now an offence in Iran
Eva Deschamps / August 24, 2022
Walking one's dog in public parks and green spaces is now against the law in Iran, Tehran's police chief said on Tuesday, urging his fellow citizens to report violators to the police.
The Islamic Republic's law enforcement agencies have declared war on dog owners. People are also asked to report to the police any animal that disturbs the peace in residential areas, reports the news portal Khabar-Online.
Taking your dog to the park and green spaces is officially forbidden since last month in Iran. The authorities intend to reinforce the feeling of security among the population. Dog owners have so far failed to comply with the measure, which they consider excessive, as have animal rights activists.
A bill relating to the prohibition of the possession and sale of pets was on the table of the Iranian parliament last November, reports the website Iran International. According to the proposal, anyone who sells, imports or keeps pets is liable to a fine. In mid-July, the parliament was considering a proposal that would require dog owners to apply for a license.
In Shiite Iran, pets are not well seen, especially within the most religious fringe of society. Man's best friend is considered as impure in Islam and would also be a symbol of westernization while the number of pets is increasing in the cities as well as in the countryside these last years as well as the number of stores and veterinary clinics.