Iranian lawmakers are suggesting a ban on pet ownership to the country’s nationals. The news recently made headlines across most media outlets around the globe, and we understand why.
According to official statements, the proposed bill aims at saving the country from “unclean” and “un-islamic” animals. Depending on the school of thought, it is believed in Islam that domestic animals are forbidden as they are impure and will require a believer to undertake a special cleansing ritual. Another reason that has been put forward concerns safety as government officials want to protect citizens from stray dog attacks and other sorts of pets.
Drafted on November 17, the ‘Protection of the Public’s Rights Against Animals’ bill would criminalise “importing, raising, assisting in the breeding of, breeding, buying or selling, transporting, driving or walking, and keeping in the home wild, exotic, harmful and dangerous animals,” according to a report from AFP. This would concern snakes, turtles, lizards, mice, dogs, as well as rabbits.
Sparking criticism, mockery and anger online and across the streets of Tehran, not many seem to be in favour of this new piece of legislation – especially given the fact violators would incur a penalty of around 10 to 30 times higher than the average monthly working wage.
