Overview

• The dog-walking ban, first imposed in Teheran in 2019, has been extended this week to about 20 additional cities across Iran.
• State media cite the need to uphold public order, ensure security and protect public health as justification for the broader prohibition.
• Although owning dogs is not illegal, conservative officials view public dog walks as contrary to Islamic tradition.
• Local authorities have occasionally barred dogs from public spaces and vehicles in prior campaigns, but enforcement has varied widely.
• Despite the widened ban, many owners continue to walk their pets openly, challenging the new restrictions.