Iran's war on dogs: How a major city is banning all forms of dog walking in public

In its alleged bid to clamp down on dog ownership, the Iranian city of Isfahan has reportedly banned all forms of dog walking in public. This comes amid discourses related to a bill mulled by the Islamic Republic's authorities which could ban import, sale and keeping of a variety of animals.

The sweeping ban was announced by Mohammad Mousavian, Isfahan’s public and revolutionary prosecutor, who stated that "dog walking was a  violation of public rights and a threat to the health, comfort, and peace of citizens." 

"Any form of dog walking in the city — whether in parks, public spaces, or vehicles — is prohibited and will be dealt with seriously," Iran International quoted the statement. He also empowered law enforcement agencies to impound vehicles carrying dogs and to shut down shops and unauthorised veterinary clinics related to pet care.  

The statement added that the law is in "response to serious public demands" while urging the police and cybercrime units to take down social media accounts advertising the sale of dogs and prosecute their owners.

Iran's stance on pet ownership, especially dogs, has met widespread criticism. In an earlier interview, Dr Payam Mohebi, president of the Iran Veterinary Association and an opponent of the bill, alleged that the debates 2021 'Protection of the Public’s Rights Against Animals bill' arose over a decade ago when a group of Iranian MPs tried to promote a law to confiscate all dogs and give them to zoos or leave them in deserts.”

“Over the years, they have changed this a couple of times and even discussed corporal punishment for dog owners. But their plan didn’t get anywhere," he alleged.

Though there still is no clear law governing dog ownership, many citizens often report fines, harassment, and even eviction threats. 

Middle East