Iran has extended its controversial ban on walking dogs in public to more than 20 cities, sparking renewed criticism and debate. The measure, first introduced in Tehran in 2019, has now been enforced in cities such as Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamadan, Kerman, Boroujerd, Robat Karim, Lavasanat, and Golestan, according to Faraz News, a Tehran-based outlet.
Authorities claim the ban is necessary to preserve public health, maintain order, and ensure citizen safety. However, they have not offered detailed evidence to back these claims. “Dog walking is a threat to public health, peace and comfort,” said Abbas Najafi, prosecutor of the western city of Hamedan, as quoted by the state-run Iran newspaper.
Legal Crackdown Underway
Officials have started penalising dog owners found violating the order. In Ilam city, an official told reformist outlet Etemad that “legal action will be taken against violators,” though no further details were provided.
Khalkhal’s public prosecutor, Mozaffar Rezaei, warned, “Offenders will face consequences if they are seen walking dogs in parks, public spaces, or carrying them on their vehicles.” His comments were published by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The updated directive came into effect on June 6.
Religious and Cultural Justifications
Though there is no specific national law banning dog walking, authorities are leveraging articles in Iran’s Penal Code and Constitution to justify the move. These include Article 638 on public morality, Article 688 on threats to public health, and Article 40 of the Constitution, which prohibits actions that could harm others.
Reports suggest the crackdown may be linked not just to health and safety but to efforts aimed at curbing Western cultural influences and upholding religious values. In Shia Islam, the country’s official religion, contact with dogs—especially their saliva—is widely considered ritually impure.
