Iran's capital city of Tehran has banned dog walking, in an effort to discourage dog ownership. Tehran Police chief Hossein Rahimi said they had received permission from the Tehran Prosecutor's Office, and "will take measures against people walking dogs in public spaces, such as parks". He said that the ban was due to dogs "creating fear and anxiety" among the general public.

He told Young Journalists Club news agency, "It is forbidden to drive dogs around in cars and, if this is observed, serious police action will be taken against the car-owners in question." Reportedly, Brigadier-General Rahimi added that driving with a dog in your car was also banned in the country. Iranian Female Photojournalist Parisa Pourtaherian Praised on Twitter for Covering Men's Football Match.

Owning pets, mostly dogs have been a controversial topic in Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. There have been many times, when people's dogs have been confiscated. Islamic authorities consider dogs as "unclean" and also a symbol of the pro-Western culture. In 2010, The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance banned the media from publishing advertisements related to pet or pet products. The Iranian state media also began telling people about the diseases spread through canines. Iranian Women Disguise as Men to Watch Football Match at Azadi Stadium as Country's Regressive Law Continues.

The Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has issued various similar rules for the people of the country. Performing "rhythmic movements" is illegal in Iran. Citizens who fail to abide by these rules are given strict punishments. Five years ago, there was a push in Parliament to fine and even fine and whip dog-walkers. There have been multiple attempts in the past by Iranian officials to criminalise dog ownership. While a lot of Iranians avoid having pets at home, it has now become popular in middle-class households.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 30, 2019 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).