Dog-walking has reportedly been banned from public places in Iran’s capital, Tehran.
It’s part of a long-running official campaign to discourage dog-ownership.
Tehran Police Chief Hossein Rahimi said permission was received from the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office, and that measures will be taken against people walking dogs in places such as parks.
Driving with a dog in the car is also banned.
Dogs are viewed as ‘unclean’ and a symbol of western society by Iran’s Islamic authorities.
The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance banned the media from publishing advertisements for pets in 2010, and there was a push in parliament five years ago to fine and even flog dog-walkers.
The latest anti-dog drive has prompted criticism of the draconian law on Twitter.
Hossein Rahimi, Tehran's chief of police: Having dogs in the car or walking dogs in public places like parks are illegal and will have severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/l9vl0trJmQ
— Iran Gateway (@IranGateway) January 29, 2019
Not cool Tehran. https://t.co/rExKV0kuwT
— Andree Entezari (@Andree_Entezari) January 30, 2019
Latest freedoms in Tehran? Citizens forbidden from walking their dogs in public along with them being in their cars. Seriously!
— John Ayres (@JohnAyr12294351) February 2, 2019
God Made Dogs Love Them! Tehran ???? https://t.co/Ea64sy6f1z
— Wonder Woman aka Lynda Tatrai❤️✌️? (@lulabelldesigns) January 31, 2019
Iran just banned walking dogs in public. The animals have traditionally been seen as impure under Islam, but in Tehran, many people keep them as pets. https://t.co/wb7YbBvfOz
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 2, 2019
