Iranian Islamic Republic bans dog walks in 18 cities

The ban, which reflects a 2019 police order banning dog walks in the capital, Tehran, has expanded to at least 18 other cities last week. Transport of dogs to vehicles is also prohibited by law, reports BBC, broadcast Periscope.

Dog ownership has been bitterly opposed in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, with dogs seen as the unclean “” by authorities and a legacy of Western cultural influence.

But despite attempts to discourage it, the ownership of dogs is increasing, especially among young people, and this is seen as a form of rebellion against the restrictive Iranian regime.

Cities, including Isfahan and Kerman, have introduced bans in recent days, according to the AFP news agency.

However, the implementation of restrictions in the past has been fragmented, while many dog owners continue to walk their dogs in public in Tehran and other parts of Iran.

There is no national law that fully bans ownership of dogs, but prosecutors often issue local restrictions implemented by police.

There were times when the owners were arrested and the dogs were confiscated because they walked in public.

Many have begun walking their dogs in isolated areas at night or driving them to escape detection.

The possession of a dog, the challenge of mandatory hygiene laws in Iran, participation in secret parties, and drinking alcohol have long been forms of silent rebellion against Iran's theocratic regime.