Iran has extended its ban on walking dogs in public to over 20 cities, according to local news. The government says the ban is to protect public health, safety, and social order. Some of the cities affected are Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamadan, Kerman, Boroujerd, Robat Karim, Lavasanat, and Golestan. A similar rule was first introduced in Tehran back in 2019, which caused a lot of criticism from the public.

Authorities say dog walking could be harmful, but they haven’t explained how. People who break the rule may face arrests, and reports say officials have already started taking action.

A reformist newspaper, Etemad, quoted an official from Ilam city saying that legal action would be taken against anyone who broke the rule, though no further details were given. The state-run Iran newspaper also reported similar warnings. Abbas Najafi, a prosecutor in Hamedan, said dog walking disturbs peace and is a threat to public health.

The new rule took effect on June 6. People have been told not to walk dogs in parks, streets, or even carry them in their vehicles. If they do, they could face legal consequences. Authorities in places like Khalkhal in Ardabil province have confirmed this crackdown.

Why ban?

Although there is no national law banning dog walking, authorities are using certain legal articles to justify the move. These include:

  • Article 638 (related to public morality)
  • Article 688 (on public health threats)
  • Article 40 of the Constitution, which bars actions that may harm others

Some believe the ban is not just about health or safety, but also about controlling social behaviour and reducing Western cultural influence. In Iran, some religious scholars consider dogs impure, especially their saliva, and discourage keeping them as pets.