Iran bans walking dogs on the streets

The Iranian government is expanding the list of cities where walking dogs on the streets is banned. Such a ban has already been implemented in at least 18 cities in the country.

It is worth noting that in 2019, a ban was introduced in Tehran on walking dogs and even transporting them in private vehicles. Those who do not comply are subject to fines, and in some cities, vehicles transporting dogs are confiscated.

However, there is no general national law banning dog walking in Iran. The government has cited various articles in its decrees, including those related to public morals, threats to public health, and harm to others, in its Penal Code and Constitution.

For your information, dogs have been officially considered unclean animals in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and are seen as a symbol of Western influence. Since 2010, the country has banned the advertising of pet products, and in 2014, lawmakers even proposed introducing fines and public floggings for those who take their dogs for walks, but the bill was not passed at the time.