A website tied to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Thursday urged parliament to ban the import of dogs, cats and pet supplies, amid growing pressure to restrict pet ownership on religious and cultural grounds.
“If you truly represent the people, protect public rights, especially those of innocent children, and submit a bill to ban all imports of dogs, cats and pet supplies,” Fars News wrote.
The appeal came after the government lifted restrictions on registering import orders for previously banned goods from Eurasian Economic Union countries. The directive, issued by the Trade Promotion Organization, included pet-related items not covered by religious or legal bans.
Fars News criticized the move, saying it contradicted existing dog walking bans and burdened municipalities that already struggle to manage stray animals.
Local crackdowns intensify
Iranian prosecutors have expanded dog walking bans to at least 25 cities, including Kermanshah, Ilam, Hamadan, Kerman and Isfahan. The measures are being enforced under local orders citing Iran’s Penal Code and Constitution as no national legislation has been passed.
Officials have cited Article 638 of the Penal Code, which addresses acts against public morality, and Article 688, which concerns threats to public health. They have also invoked Article 40 of the Constitution, which bars activities that harm others.
Prosecutors in several provinces announced new bans in recent days, reinforcing earlier restrictions first imposed in Tehran in 2019.
In Isfahan, chief prosecutor Mohammad Mousavian last month ordered police to shut down unauthorized veterinary clinics and seize vehicles found carrying animals.
“Offenders will face legal action to preserve public decency,” he said, adding that pet ownership reflected “foreign cultural influence.”
Authorities in Ilam, Khalkhal, and other cities have issued similar orders, citing constitutional and penal code provisions relating to public health and morality.
“This practice reflects the promotion of a Western lifestyle,” Khalkhal prosecutor Mozaffar Rezaei said, warning of penalties for transporting or walking dogs in public spaces.
