• Iran extends its dog walking ban to at least 18 cities.
• Authorities cite public health and social order as reasons for the ban.
• Enforcement of the ban on dog walking has been inconsistent.

Iranian authorities have recently expanded their ban on walking dogs in public to multiple cities across the nation, citing concerns over public health, social order, and safety. This ban, which mirrors a 2019 directive that prohibited walking dogs in Tehran, now includes at least 18 other cities including Ilam, Isfahan, and Kerman, according to various reports Channel NewsAsia, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

The restrictions around dog ownership have historical roots in the post-1979 Islamic Revolution climate in Iran, where dogs are often regarded as "najis" or ritually impure by many religious authorities. These officials argue that keeping dogs represents a form of Western influence, which is actively discouraged in the country. Abbas Najafi, the prosecutor of Hamedan, stated, “Dog walking is a threat to public health, peace, and comfort,” highlighting governmental fears regarding pet ownership India Times, South China Morning Post, and BBC.

Despite the bans, enforcement remains inconsistent as many pet owners continue to walk their dogs in public spaces, with some opting for secluded areas at night to avoid detection. In recent developments, authorities have announced that "legal action will be taken against violators," indicating a stricter approach to enforcing these regulations Channel NewsAsia, India Times, and South China Morning Post.

This recent crackdown on dog walking follows a broader narrative within Iran, where pet ownership, particularly of dogs, has been condemned by some lawmakers as a "destructive social problem" that threatens to alter the fabric of Iranian and Islamic life. The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously labeled dog ownership, outside of functional use such as herding or guarding, as "reprehensible" India Times, Channel NewsAsia, and BBC.