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Man's best friend may not be welcome in Iran

A stray dog sits at the Vafa animal shelter.
A stray dog sits at the Vafa animal shelter.Behrouz Mehri / AFP - Getty Images
By Jonathan Woods

Canine lovers in Iran are facing a motion presented by lawmakers to ban the public appearance of dogs. The conservative-dominated Parliament is pushing this due to dogs' "uncleanness" and the desire to combat "a blind imitation of vulgar Western culture."

Tehran resident Farnaz talks to a vet about her Pomeranian dog, Maggie, at Tehran Pet Hospital, the first private hospital for pets in Iran, on June 23. Showing off pet canines has become increasingly popular in Tehran's posh neighborhoods, a trend threated by lawmakers in the conservative-dominated Iranian parliament.
Tehran resident Farnaz talks to a vet about her Pomeranian dog, Maggie, at Tehran Pet Hospital, the first private hospital for pets in Iran, on June 23. Showing off pet canines has become increasingly popular in Tehran's posh neighborhoods, a trend threated by lawmakers in the conservative-dominated Iranian parliament.Behrouz Mehri / AFP - Getty Images
Dog-lover Neda plays with strays at the Vafa animal shelter in the town of Hashtgerd, west of the Tehran on June 30. The first animal shelter in Iran, the non-government charity relies on private donations and volunteers to provide shelter to injured and homeless dogs in Iran.
Dog-lover Neda plays with strays at the Vafa animal shelter in the town of Hashtgerd, west of the Tehran on June 30. The first animal shelter in Iran, the non-government charity relies on private donations and volunteers to provide shelter to injured and homeless dogs in Iran.Behrouz Mehri / AFP - Getty Images
An Iranian man trims a Terrier named Jessi, at Tehran Pet Hospital in Iran on June 23.
An Iranian man trims a Terrier named Jessi, at Tehran Pet Hospital in Iran on June 23.Behrouz Mehri / AFP - Getty Images
A stray dog sits at the Vafa animal shelter.
A stray dog sits at the Vafa animal shelter.Behrouz Mehri / AFP - Getty Images

If the motion becomes law, offenders will face a fine of five million rials (around $472 USD) and will have to get rid of their beloved canine in 10 days or their pet will be confiscated with a fate to be determined.

Jonathan Woods