Iranian authorities have expanded a ban on walking dogs in public to multiple cities nationwide, citing public health, social order, and safety concerns. The ban, which mirrors a 2019 police directive that barred dog walking in Tehran, has been extended to at least 18 other cities, including Isfahan and Kerman. Transporting dogs in vehicles has also been outlawed.
The decision reflects the country’s complex and evolving stance on dog ownership, which has been frowned upon since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Authorities view dogs as “unclean” and associate dog ownership with Western cultural influence. Despite efforts to discourage it, dog ownership is rising, particularly among young people, and is seen as a form of rebellion against the restrictive Iranian regime.
Prosecutors often issue local restrictions enforced by police, and violators may face arrest and dog confiscation. Abbas Najafi, prosecutor of Hamedan, stated that “dog walking is a threat to public health, peace, and comfort”. Many dog owners have resorted to walking their dogs in secluded areas at night or driving them around to evade detection.
The ban has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that police should focus on public safety amidst growing concerns over violent crime, rather than targeting dog owners and restricting personal freedoms. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously described dog ownership as “reprehensible” except for purposes like herding, hunting, and security.
Enforcement of the ban has been inconsistent, with many dog owners continuing to walk their dogs in public, particularly in Tehran. The issue highlights the challenges authorities face in regulating a practice that, while controversial, is increasingly popular among young Iranians.