Taking the Leash Nationwide: Iran's Expanded Ban on Dog Walking
Cracking Down on Public Pooch Parades
Expansion of dog walking prohibition in Iran, based on health-related rationale.
Iran has been pulling the leash tighter on dog ownership, expanding its ban on public dog walking to over 25 cities across the nation [1]. According to recent reports, the restrictions stem from concerns about public health, social order, and safety.
The move is, in essence, an extension of the 2019 police directive that prohibited dog walking in Tehran [1][2]. Apart from Tehran, the list of cities now governed by the ban includes Ilam in the west, Isfahan in the center, and Kerman in the south.
Dog-Walking: A Sensitive Topic
The controversial nature of petting dogs in Iran has been a bone of contention since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Although there's no law explicitly forbidding dog ownership, many religious scholars consider coming into contact with canine saliva as "najis" or ritually impure [3]. Meanwhile, some officials view dogs as a symbol of Western cultural influence, leading to periodic bans on dog ownership in public spaces or the transport of dogs in vehicles [3].
Legal Action with a Bone to Pick
As dog walkers become increasing rare in Iranian streets, judicial authorities have started taking decisive action against those who refuse to heed the restrictions. An official from Ilam city warned that "legal action will be taken against violators," without providing specific details [1]. In previous crackdowns, authorities have issued fines and even made arrests [3][4].
A Bone of Contention: Freedom versus Public Order
Despite the looming threat of legal action, many dog owners continue to walk their dogs in public spaces, creating a mix of compliance and defiance across the nation. The inconsistent enforcement of the ban in different regions has also fanned the flames of public debate. While some consider the ban an encroachment on personal freedoms, others view it as a necessary measure for maintaining social order and public health [3][4].
Chasing Tails: A Long Storied History
This crackdown on dog walking in public spaces is not a new phenomenon. In 2019, the initial ban was imposed on Tehran, establishing a precedent for similar restrictions in other cities [3][5]. Throughout the years, there have been periodic crackdowns on dog ownership, with some lawmakers even labeling the practice a "destructive social problem" [3]. The viewpoint of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is particularly unforgiving, as he has expressed his disapproval of keeping dogs for reasons other than herding, hunting, or guarding dogs [3].
Sources:
[1] Reuters (2023). "Iran bans walking dogs in multiple cities, citing health, order concerns".[2] Al Jazeera (2019). "Iran bans walking dogs in Tehran citing 'public health'"[3] The Guardian (2023). "Iran widens ban on walking dogs amid continuing controversy"[4] Radio Farda (2023). "Dog-walking ban sparks debate and defiance in Iran"[5] The Iran Daily (2023). "Iran widens ban on dog-walking, citing safety and public health concerns"
- Some people view the ban on dog walking as a matter of personal freedom, while others believe it's essential for maintaining social order and public health within Iran.
- Apart from health and social order concerns, the ban on dog walking in public spaces also stems from issues related to general news and politics, as dogs are sometimes perceived as symbols of Western cultural influence.
- The extension of the dog-walking ban to over 25 cities has led to increased scrutiny and legal action against those who disobey the restrictions, resulting in fines and even arrests.
- The controversy over petting dogs in Iran dates back to the 1979 Islamic revolution, with some religious scholars considering canine saliva as "najis" or ritually impure, and some officials viewing dogs as a potential threat to public health and safety.
