Iran declares war to dog owners

Iran authorities banned dogs in subsequent cities, citing “considerations of public order and health and safety.” The new regulations, referring to the earlier ban in force since 2019 in Tehran, covered at least 18 cities throughout the country last week – BBC informed.

According to the AFP agency, bans already apply, among others in Isfahan, Kerman and Ilam. The representative of the authorities announced legal steps to breaking the provisions of the inhabitants. He did not specify what they would rely on. The police search the streets, and dog owners are increasingly forced to walk with pets at night or in secluded places to avoid detection.

Although in Iran There is no nationwide ban on having dogs, local authorities regularly introduce similar restrictions. From the time of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the authorities will consider dogs “unclean” and a symbol of the western lifestyle.

– Dogs are a threat to public health, peace and comfort – says the prosecutor of the city of Hamedan in an interview with the daily “Iran”.

Bans despite the growing popularity of dogs

Having dogs in Iran is gaining popularity, especially among the young generation. It is often treated as a form of silent opposition to the conservative regime. However, the authorities do not stop in attempts to limit this trend. In the past, dog owners were detained and the animals were taken.

The highest spiritual leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Chamenei once described the possession of dogs – in addition to use for hunting, pastoral and protective purposes – as “reprehensible”. In 2021, a group of 75 MPs called dogs a “social problem” that “changes Iranian and Islamic lifestyle”.

The ban is also accompanied by media pressure. Already in 2010, the Iranian Ministry of Culture banned domestic animals and products for them. Attempts to introduce raw penalties – such as fines or flogging for taking dogs – were taken, but so far they have not had a legislative effect.

Social opposition

After the announcement of the new regulations, criticism appeared. Their opponents indicate that in the face of growing crime in the country, the authorities should focus on improving the safety of citizens, and not to limit their personal freedom.

For many Iranians, having a dog, participation in illegal events, breaking the obligation to wear a hijab or drinking alcohol are manifestations of everyday resistance to the repressive regime – reminds BBC.