Iranian authorities have significantly escalated their crackdown on dog ownership and public dog walking, extending bans to more than 25 cities across the country. The move, which cites public health, safety, and moral concerns, reflects a long-standing view among religious authorities that dogs are "unclean" and that pet ownership is a symbol of "Western cultural influence." This recent enforcement follows years of inconsistent application of similar restrictions.
The prohibition on dogs in public spaces has been a contentious issue in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with many religious leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, deeming keeping dogs for non-working purposes as "reprehensible." In 2021, 75 lawmakers condemned dog ownership as a "destructive social problem" that could "gradually change the Iranian and Islamic way of life." The current measures are seen as a renewed effort to reinforce conservative social norms.
While there is no national law explicitly banning dog ownership, local prosecutors and police are enforcing these restrictions using existing penal codes and religious decrees. Reports indicate that cities like Isfahan, Kerman, and Hamedan have introduced bans in recent days, with officials warning of "legal action" against violators. In some instances, authorities have ordered the impoundment of vehicles carrying dogs and the closure of unauthorized pet-related businesses.
Despite the official stance, dog ownership has seen a surge in popularity in urban areas, with many Iranians viewing it as a subtle act of resistance against the clerical establishment. Veterinarians, such as Dr. Damoon Ansari in Tehran, express skepticism, noting that "each summer, new plans emerge to regulate citizens’ morality or lifestyles," with this year's focus on dogs. Critics argue police should prioritize public safety amidst rising violent crime rather than targeting pet owners.
Past attempts to legislate against dog ownership, including a 2014 parliamentary push to fine and even flog dog walkers, largely failed to pass into national law. However, the current widespread and coordinated enforcement marks a significant escalation compared to previous patchy restrictions. This ongoing campaign highlights the regime's efforts to control public spaces and personal freedoms, even as many citizens continue to defy the bans.