Iran Expands Controversial Dog Walking Ban Across Major Cities

The Iranian government has broadened a controversial ban on dog walking, enforcing restrictions in at least 18 cities citing public health concerns. This initiative reflects a longstanding disapproval of pet ownership among authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, raising questions about personal liberties in contemporary Iran.

Iran has expanded its controversial ban on dog walking, a measure originally implemented in Tehran in 2019, to include at least 18 additional cities across the nation. Officials cite concerns over public order, health, and safety as the driving forces for this policy. The recent crackdown has also outlawed the transportation of dogs in vehicles, presenting a challenging environment for pet owners.

The historical roots of this disapproval stem from the Islamic Revolution of 1979, during which dogs were deemed "unclean" by authorities, representing a facet of Western influence that the government seeks to eliminate. Despite these restrictions, the ownership of dogs is reportedly on the rise, particularly among the youth, who view it as a form of defiance against the Iranian regime.

Cities including Isfahan and Kerman have recently introduced similar bans, and local officials, like Abbas Najafi from Hamedan, argue that dog walking poses threats to public health and peace. In response to the burgeoning crackdown, some dog owners have adapted by walking their pets in secluded areas or transporting them under the radar, demonstrating a clear pushback against the law.

While there is no national prohibition of dog ownership in Iran, local prosecutors are actively enforcing various restrictions, sometimes leading to arrests and the confiscation of dogs. The tight regulations are a reflection of broader societal tensions regarding personal freedoms, as critics argue that authorities should prioritize addressing issues like rising violent crime instead of targeting pet owners.

Culturally, pet ownership is considered problematic by some politicians and religious scholars, with leading figures like Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denouncing it as an unacceptable practice unless for specific purposes such as herding or hunting. Lawmakers have even described dog ownership as a "destructive social problem" threatening to alter Iranian and Islamic traditions.

Adding to the creeping restrictions on personal liberties, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance banned advertisements related to pets as early as 2010. The recent enforcement of these bans has reignited conversations about personal freedoms in Iran, as citizens continue to seek ways to engage in activities seen as subversive, from owning pets to participating in underground social gatherings.