Mark Slapinski
The government of Iran is considering passing legislation that would ban dogs. The proposed bill is meant to protect Iranians from “dangerous” animals and will bar citizens from owning, breeding, and transporting dogs.
The government of Iran plans on fining dog owners so much money it would bankrupt the average person. According to Radio Free Europe:
Under the proposed legislation drafted by 75 hard-liners in the 290-seat parliament, Iranians caught possessing such pets three months after the passage of the bill into law would be subject to the confiscation of their animals and fines of 10 to 30 times the official monthly minimum wage. At the current rate, that could mean payouts of about $1,300 to $3,900.
Dog ownership has become increasingly popular in Iran, despite religious hardliners arguing the animals are “unhygienic and un-Islamic.” People in Iran complain about being attacked by stray dogs, fueling calls for restrictions.
In addition to dogs, Iranians would be barred from owning, breeding, and transporting dogs, cats, rabbits, and other common pets. The bill is titled: Plan to protect public rights against harmful and dangerous animals.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, a senior member of Iran’s Society of Veterinarians, scoffed at the idea of dogs being classified as “dangerous animals.”
