Iranian authorities have extended dog walking bans to at least 20 cities nationwide, expanding restrictions that have been in place in the capital Tehran for years. What constitutes normal daily life in many countries now carries serious risks for pet owners in Iran.

Official Justification and Public Health Claims

According to the state newspaper Iran, the measures aim to “maintain public order, ensure security and protect public health.” However, critics believe there are deeper cultural and political motivations behind the crackdown beyond these stated public health concerns.

Religious and Cultural Opposition

The ban reflects broader religious hardliner attitudes toward dogs, which are viewed as symbols of both impurity and Western lifestyle influence. In 2017, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that “keeping dogs for reasons other than herding, hunting, and guard dogs is to be considered reprehensible.”

Supreme Leader’s Cultural Position

Khamenei further explained that “walking dogs damages Islamic culture as well as hygiene and the peace of others.” This perspective is widely shared among conservative circles in Iran, where dogs are associated with Western cultural influence that conflicts with traditional Islamic values.

Legal Status and Enforcement Challenges

While officially keeping dogs isn’t banned in Iran, dog owners face increasingly dangerous circumstances. Authorities have repeatedly issued various restrictions in recent years that prohibit taking dogs in cars or to parks and public spaces, creating a complex web of limitations.

Arbitrary Implementation and Escalating Risks

Enforcement of these restrictions is often inconsistent and arbitrary. Sometimes authorities ignore violations, while other times they crack down severely. Dog owners increasingly report that their animals are being confiscated or that they face threats from authorities.

Owner Resistance and Political Implications

Despite the risks, many dog owners refuse to be intimidated, particularly in Tehran where many continue to walk their pets openly. However, this defiance comes with significant dangers as each extension of the ban increases the risk of attracting unwanted attention from authorities.

Cultural Battleground

Daily dog walks have evolved into a form of political act and cultural battle in Iran. What was once a simple routine activity has transformed into a statement of resistance against religious and cultural restrictions, highlighting the broader tensions between traditional Islamic values and modern lifestyle choices.

Growing Tensions and Future Implications

The escalating restrictions on dog ownership and walking represent a microcosm of larger cultural conflicts in Iran, where personal lifestyle choices increasingly intersect with religious doctrine and state control, creating ongoing tensions between individual freedom and religious compliance.

Original Article:

Wamiz UK. (2025, July 14). Iran bans dog walking: Damages Islamic culture, says Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. https://wamiz.co.uk/news/188552/iran-bans-dog-walking-damages-islamic-culture-says-ayatollah-ali-khamenei