Iran Expands Dog Walking Ban Amid Rebellion
Recently, Iran has broadened its ban on dog walking to more cities beyond Tehran. Surprisingly, this has spurred many Iranians to embrace dog ownership as a form of defiance against the regime.
A prosecutor in Hamedan, a city in the west, remarked that “dog walking is a threat to public health, peace, and comfort.” Another prosecutor from Illam hinted at potential “legal action” against those who walk dogs, labeling the act a “clear crime” that could “harass women and children.”
The government’s animosity towards dogs stems from Islamic teachings that regard animals as “impure.” In fact, it was reported that back in 2010, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, followed by the Iranian parliament in 2014, had sanctioned punishments for those walking dogs.
In 2017, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that owning a dog should only be for “grazing, hunting, or security” purposes, condemning other reasons. He insisted that mimicking non-Muslim practices, such as dog ownership, is discouraged and could lead to complications during religious rituals, as dog hair is considered impure.
In 2021, a group of Iranian lawmakers claimed that dog ownership was a “destructive social issue” that could gradually alter the traditional Iranian Islamic lifestyle. While there hasn’t been a nationwide ban on pets, local governments have enforced restrictions on walking dogs or displaying them publicly in at least 19 cities.
These limitations are now being enforced even in Tehran. Interestingly, many young Iranians have adopted dogs as symbols of rebellion, leading to a reported increase in dog ownership. Pets, especially dogs, have become integral to family life in Iran, even among religious individuals. As one outlet noted, the authorities are unable to ignore the millions of pets that exist, irrespective of their stance.
Dr. Ansari pointed out that Tehran had only one pet clinic at the beginning of the century, but now there are many. He labeled the increase in pet ownership as “unstoppable.”
Interestingly, many residents in Tehran were seen enjoying the company of their dogs in public parks recently, despite the restrictions. Some citizens have ridiculed the ban on social media, questioning why the regime focuses efforts on this issue when there are significant challenges facing the country.
On the other hand, some Iranians are feeling anxious about the ban and are concerned for their pets’ safety. Reports suggest that these crackdowns, originating from various cities, may reflect broader ideological controls rather than genuine public safety concerns.
Iran’s state media has laid the groundwork for these crackdowns, portraying dog walking as a symbol of crime and even linking dog ownership to various health issues among children. This media narrative seems to provide officials with a justification for their restrictions.
Moreover, there is a more troubling aspect to this crackdown: with many Iranians feeling isolated and despondent, dogs often serve as emotional support or companionship. The regime’s actions seem to aim at diminishing the morale of a restless population by targeting their connections with pets.
As noted by observers, the ban on dog walking underscores the Islamic Republic’s method of social control. Instead of addressing real public safety issues or providing a sensible pet registration system, authorities appear to be engaging in ideological battles.
