Irán Expands Dog-Walking Ban Amid Religious and Cultural Tensions

Irán Expands Dog-Walking Ban to 18 Cities Irán has expanded its ban on walking dogs in public to 18 cities across the country, citing concerns about public health, social order, and security. The move comes amid existing religious and cultural sensitivities towards dogs in the country. Local media reports highlight the inconsistent enforcement of a similar ban in Tehran since 2019, with many people continuing to walk their dogs in parks despite the restrictions. "The authorities allege public health, social order, and security reasons," stated a local news report. This highlights the complex interplay of public health concerns and cultural attitudes towards animals. Religious scholars in Irán often cite Islamic interpretations that consider contact with dogs as ritually impure. This belief contributes to the negative perception of dogs in some segments of Iranian society. However, many Iranians continue to keep dogs as pets, demonstrating a growing trend that challenges traditional norms. The expansion of the ban may be seen by some as an attempt to reinforce traditional values and curb perceived Western influence. However, the inconsistent enforcement of the ban in Tehran suggests that the authorities face challenges in fully implementing the policy. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between modernizing societal norms and deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs in Irán.