Iran has extended ban on walking dogs in public, reports say

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Iran Expands Ban on Public Dog Walking Nationwide Amid Health Concerns"

Iran has extended ban on walking dogs in public, reports say analysis cover image The Guardian 8.0
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/08/iran-has-extended-ban-on-walking-dogs-in-public-reports-say
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TruthLens AI Summary

Iranian authorities have recently expanded a nationwide ban on walking dogs in public spaces, citing concerns over public health, social order, and safety. This extension follows a previous directive from 2019, which prohibited dog walking in Tehran, and now affects at least 17 additional cities, including Ilam, Isfahan, and Kerman. The authorities' stance on this issue reflects a long-standing tension in Iran regarding dog ownership, which has been a contentious topic since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While there is no formal law that outright bans dog ownership, many religious scholars consider dogs to be 'najis' or ritually impure. This perception, combined with the belief that dogs symbolize Western cultural influence, has led to periodic restrictions on dog walking and ownership in various parts of the country.

Enforcement of these bans has varied, with many dog owners continuing to walk their pets despite the restrictions. Recent reports indicate that local officials, such as those in Ilam, are prepared to take legal action against violators. In support of the ban, the state newspaper Iran has stated that these measures are intended to maintain public order and protect public health. Officials like Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of Hamedan, have labeled dog walking as a threat to public health and comfort. This sentiment has been echoed by lawmakers, who in 2021 described pet ownership as a 'destructive social problem' that could disrupt the Iranian and Islamic way of life. The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also condemned non-utilitarian dog ownership, suggesting that it could promote foreign cultural practices that are harmful to the community. As such, the ongoing campaign against dog walking in Iran reflects broader societal and cultural tensions within the country, balancing traditional Islamic values with modern lifestyles.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The recent expansion of the ban on walking dogs in public spaces across Iran highlights a complex interplay of cultural, religious, and political factors. This decision reflects longstanding tensions surrounding pet ownership, particularly dogs, in the context of Iranian society post-1979 Islamic Revolution. It raises questions about public health, cultural identity, and state control over personal freedoms.

Cultural and Religious Influences

The article indicates that the prohibition has roots in religious beliefs, where many scholars deem dogs as ritually impure. This perspective is not universally held, as dog ownership persists in various forms among the populace, leading to a contradiction between public opinion and official policy. The authorities seem to perceive dog walking as a threat to social order, linking it to Western cultural influences, which are often viewed with suspicion in Iran.

Public Perception and Government Messaging

By framing the ban as a public health and safety issue, Iranian officials aim to legitimize their position. Statements from local authorities, like the prosecutor of Hamedan, suggest that the government seeks to maintain control over societal norms by portraying dog ownership as a potential threat. This strategy may serve to consolidate power and distract from other pressing social issues by focusing public attention on a controversial topic.

Inconsistencies in Enforcement

There is a notable inconsistency in how these bans are enforced. Despite official directives, many dog owners continue to walk their pets without facing repercussions. This disparity could indicate a lack of resources or will to enforce these policies uniformly, suggesting that while the government may wish to impose these regulations, practical challenges hinder their implementation.

Potential Hidden Agendas

The narrative surrounding the dog walking ban may also function to divert public attention from more significant political or economic issues facing the country. By framing the discourse around a culturally sensitive topic, the government might aim to unify certain factions of society against a common "enemy," in this case, a perceived Western influence embodied by pet ownership.

Overall Reliability of the Article

The article appears to be a reliable account of recent developments in Iran regarding dog ownership and public spaces. However, as with any news piece, it is essential to consider potential biases in how the information is presented. The portrayal of dog ownership as a contentious issue aligns with known cultural tensions in Iran, supporting the authenticity of the report.

The article provides insight into how government policies can reflect broader cultural and religious themes within a society, while also revealing the complexities of public sentiment surrounding pet ownership. The implications for social order, health, and public safety are significant, suggesting that this issue may resonate with various segments of the Iranian population.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/08/iran-has-extended-ban-on-walking-dogs-in-public-reports-say

Iranian authorities have expanded a ban on walking dogs in public to many cities nationwide, citing public health, social order and safety concerns, domestic media has reported.

The ban – which echoes a 2019 police directive that barred walking dogs in Tehran – was expanded to Ilam city in the west on Sunday, according to reports.

At least 17 other cities have introduced similar bans in recent days, including Isfahan in the centre and Kerman in the south.

Owning and walking dogshas been a contentious subjectsince the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, though there is no law banning dog ownership outright.

Many religious scholars, however, consider petting dogs or coming into contact with their saliva as “najis” or ritually impure, while some officials view them as a symbol of western cultural influence.

Local authorities have periodically introduced bans on walking dogs in public spaces or carrying them in vehicles as part of a wider campaign to discourage their ownership.

Enforcing the restrictions has been inconsistent, as many owners continue to walk their dogs in Tehran and elsewhere across Iran.

On Sunday, the reformist Etemad newspaper quoted an official from Ilam city as saying that “legal action will be taken against violators”, without elaborating.

On Saturday, the state newspaper Iran said the latest measures were aimed at “maintaining public order, ensuring safety and protecting public health”.

“Dog walking is a threat to public health, peace and comfort,” said Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of the western city of Hamedan, as quoted by the Iran newspaper.

In 2021, 75 lawmakers condemned pet ownership as a “destructive social problem”, saying it could “gradually change the Iranian and Islamic way of life”.

In 2017, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said “keeping dogs for reasons other than herding, hunting and guard dogs is considered reprehensible”.

“If this practice resembles that of non-Muslims, promotes their culture or causes harm and disturbance to neighbours, it is deemed forbidden,” he added, according to Tasnim news agency.

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Source: The Guardian