Iran Reinstates Ban on Dog Walking, Citing Public Health Concerns**

Iran's renewed focus on a dog walking ban, previously ignored, stems from health safety concerns and cultural resistance. Officials in multiple cities are now taking action against violators, classifying the act as criminal.**

In a surprising development, Iranian officials are reaffirming the country's 2019 ban on dog walking, intensifying enforcement in at least 20 cities. The decision, prompted by concerns over public health and safety, signals a significant shift in policy as local authorities react to growing numbers of dog owners flouting the old law.

Mashhad's prosecutor, Mohammad Hossein Doroudi, emphasized this stance by declaring that "dog walking is a clear crime," as reported by the state-controlled media outlet IRNA. This renewed crackdown has attracted significant public attention, especially given the leniency previously given to dog owners in recent years. Both walking dogs and driving with them will be subject to penalties, highlighting the government's stringent attitude toward pet ownership.

The culture surrounding dogs in Iran is complex and deeply intertwined with religious beliefs. Dogs are often viewed as symbols of Western influence, and Islamic beliefs regard them as “najes,” or impure. This perspective explained the recent fatwa issued by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which argues that a dog's saliva or hair contaminates both individuals and their surroundings, rendering prayers invalid in the presence of dog hair.

According to Mr. Doroudi, violators in Mashhad will first receive a warning, but subsequent offenses could result in fines or the confiscation of their pets. This aggressive enforcement is indicative of broader societal tensions that surround pet ownership in Iran, revealing a clash between traditional values and modern lifestyles as dog walking becomes increasingly prevalent among the populace.

As officials in cities across Iran move to regulate this aspect of pet ownership more strictly, it remains to be seen how this will affect the growing number of dog owners in the country, amid a backdrop of cultural scrutiny and opposition.