What in the World
What in the World
Who let the dogs out? Not Iran
Up next
11 June 2025
12 minutes
Available for over a year
Dog walking has been banned in at least 20 cities across Iran, after it was first outlawed in the capital, Tehran, six years ago. It’s the latest restriction to come from the authorities, who argue that dogs are ‘unclean’ and see having pets as a sign of growing Western influence.
Despite this, dog ownership has risen in the country in recent years and many owners have started walking their dogs in secluded areas at night to evade detection. Ghoncheh Habibiazad, from the BBC Persian team, explains why the ban has been introduced and how people are defying the strict policies set by the Iranian regime.
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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison, Chelsea Coates and Emily Horler
Editor: Verity Wilde
