Iranian officials have extended a controversial ban on dog walking to at least 18 cities across the country, reinforcing restrictions on pet ownership that authorities claim are necessary for public order, health, and safety.

The move follows a 2019 police order prohibiting dog walking in the capital, Tehran, and now includes cities such as Isfahan, Kerman, Hamedan, and Ilam. Transporting dogs in vehicles has also been outlawed in these areas.

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, dog ownership has been discouraged in Iran, with religious authorities deeming dogs "unclean" (najis) and a symbol of Western cultural influence. Many conservative clerics consider contact with dogs or their saliva ritually impure.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously condemned keeping dogs as pets, calling it "reprehensible" unless used for herding, hunting, or security purposes. In 2021, 75 Iranian lawmakers labeled dog ownership a "destructive social problem" that could erode Islamic values.

Despite the bans, enforcement has been inconsistent. Many Iranians, particularly younger generations, continue to own dogs as a subtle act of rebellion against the restrictive regime. Some walk their pets in secluded areas or at night to avoid detection.

In the western city of Ilam, where the ban was imposed this week, local media reported that violators would face "legal action." However, past attempts to penalize dog owners—including fines and confiscations—have seen limited success.

Critics argue that authorities should focus on pressing issues like violent crime rather than targeting pet owners. The ban aligns with broader government efforts to suppress behaviors deemed "un-Islamic," including mandatory hijab laws, restrictions on alcohol, and crackdowns on underground parties.

In 2014, hardline lawmakers proposed flogging and fines for dog walkers, though the bill was never passed. The recent expansion of the ban signals a renewed push to enforce conservative social norms.