Dog walking and Iran.

A short news yesterday in BBC captured my attention that Iran expands dog walking ban.It was totally surprised thing to me that some country can restrict animal too. Let's see what this controversy is ,

The Tradition of Pet Walking: Logic, Culture, and the Controversy in Iran
Pet walking, especially dog walking, has become a staple of modern pet ownership around the world. It's not only a form of physical exercise for both the pet and the owner, but it also serves as a bonding activity and a way to socialize animals. In Western and many Eastern societies, walking dogs is seen as a sign of responsible pet care. However, this practice isn't universally accepted in fact, in some countries like Iran, dog walking in public spaces has been officially banned. The reasons behind such a ban are rooted in legal, religious, and cultural factors.

The Logic Behind Pet Walking
From a scientific and behavioral standpoint, walking pets particularly dogs serves several important purposes,

• Physical Health: Dogs are naturally active animals. Regular walks help maintain their weight, improve cardiovascular health, and keep joints flexible. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs.
• Mental Stimulation: Walks offer a variety of smells, sights, and sounds that stimulate a dog’s brain. This helps reduce boredom and the risk of behavioral problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or aggression.
• Socialization: Dogs, like humans, benefit from social interaction. Walks expose them to other animals, people, and environments, helping them become more adaptable and less fearful or aggressive.
• Owner-Pet Bonding:Regular walks strengthen the emotional bond between the owner and the pet, contributing to a more obedient and emotionally secure animal.
• Responsible Ownership:In many cities, walking a dog on a leash is a requirement, and pet owners are expected to clean up after their animals. This responsibility reflects a broader respect for public space and community hygiene.

The Ban on Dog Walking in Iran
Despite the global acceptance of dog walking, Iran has taken a very different stance. In cities like Tehran, authorities have banned walking dogs in public places, including parks and sidewalks. The justification includes maintaining "public order" and protecting "Islamic values."

According to Iranian officials, the ban is also aimed at discouraging the Westernization of Iranian society. Dogs are often associated with Western culture, where they are treated as family members and companions. In contrast, traditional Islamic cultures particularly those with conservative interpretations do not typically view dogs in the same way.

Iranian authorities have argued that dogs are unclean animals and that their presence in public areas may offend public decency. Some officials also claim that walking dogs can create fear or discomfort among citizens, especially in crowded urban settings.

Is Dog Walking Forbidden in Islam?
The Islamic stance on dogs is nuanced and varies by interpretation and school of thought. Generally, Islam does not explicitly forbid keeping dogs, but it places certain restrictions,

• Cleanliness: Some schools of Islamic jurisprudence consider dogs to be ritually impure (najis), especially their saliva. This means Muslims must purify any place or clothing a dog’s saliva touches before performing prayers.
• Purpose of Ownership: Islamic teachings generally allow keeping dogs for specific purposes like guarding property, herding livestock, or assisting in hunting. Keeping dogs as mere pets, especially inside the home, is discouraged by some scholars.

• Prophetic Traditions (Hadiths) Several hadiths caution against unnecessary interactions with dogs. For example, it is mentioned in some traditions that angels do not enter homes with dogs. However, these interpretations differ widely across regions and sects.

Importantly, Islam emphasizes kindness to all animals. Cruelty or neglect is strongly condemned. Therefore, if a dog is kept, ensuring its well-being including walking it for exercise is not against Islamic ethics.

Conclusion.
Pet walking is widely recognized as a beneficial and responsible aspect of pet ownership in many parts of the world. However, in Iran, cultural, religious, and political factors have led to a ban on this practice, particularly in public spaces. While Islam does not categorically forbid dog ownership or walking, interpretations vary, and local laws often reflect the dominant religious and cultural values of the region. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between modern lifestyles and traditional norms in many parts of the Muslim world.

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Note: The article also published on my read.cash Wall.

Cheers,
Amjad