Overview

• The ban now covers more than 20 cities including Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamadan, Kerman and Golestan.
• Officials invoke Articles 638 and 688 of the penal code and Article 40 of the constitution to classify dog walking as a public health and morality offence.
• Authorities have warned that violators will face prosecution, with reports of arrests in parks and public streets since enforcement began on June 6.
• Local prosecutors in Hamedan and Khalkhal described dog walking as a threat to peace, comfort and public health to justify the measures.
• Many young Iranians view dog ownership as a form of cultural expression and have openly resisted the ban through demonstrations and social media campaigns.