Iranian officials have expanded a ban on dog walking to at least 18 cities beyond Tehran, citing public order and health and safety concerns. Transporting dogs in vehicles is also outlawed. Dog ownership, viewed as 'unclean' and a Western influence since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is rising, particularly among young people, as a form of rebellion. Enforcement has been patchy, but legal action is threatened against violators.
Iran expands dog-walking ban beyond Tehran
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Iranian officials have expanded a ban on dog walking to at least 18 cities beyond Tehran, citing public order and health and safety concerns. Transporting dogs in vehicles is also outlawed. Dog ownership, viewed as 'unclean' and a Western influence since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is rising, particularly among young people, as a form of rebellion. Enforcement has been patchy, but legal action is threatened against violators.
Trending- 1 1979: Islamic Revolution in Iran.
- 2 2010: Iran's Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance banned advertisements for pets.
- 3 2014: Drive in parliament to fine and flog dog-walkers (bill did not pass).
- 4 2019: Police order barred dog walking in Tehran.
- 5 2021: 75 lawmakers condemned dog ownership.
- 6 Past week (leading up to June 8, 2025): Ban expanded to 18 other cities.
- 7 Sunday (likely June 8, 2025): Ban implemented in Ilam.
- Legal action against dog owners
- Confiscation of dogs
- Restriction of personal freedoms
- Increased quiet rebellion against the regime
- Shift in focus for police from violent crime to dog ownership
What: Expansion of a ban on dog walking and transporting dogs in vehicles to at least 18 cities across Iran.
When: Expanded in the past week. Ban implemented in Ilam on Sunday (likely June 8, 2025). The article was published on 2025-06-08.
Where: Iran, specifically Tehran, Isfahan, Kerman, Ilam, Hamedan.
Why: Authorities view dog ownership as 'unclean,' un-Islamic, and a legacy of Western cultural influence, posing threats to public health, peace, and comfort. It is also seen as a form of rebellion against the regime.
How: Officials have issued local restrictions enforced by police. Legal action is threatened against violators. The ban mirrors a 2019 police order in Tehran.