**Iran Reinforces Ban on Dog Walking, Citing Public Health Concerns**

In a recent announcement, officials across 20 cities in Iran reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing a law originally established in 2019 that prohibits dog walking and transportation. This statement follows years of inconsistent enforcement where dog ownership was generally overlooked. The prosecutors highlighted potential public health issues and safety threats related to dogs, marking a shift in regulatory intensity.

"The act of dog walking constitutes a clear violation of our laws," declared Mohammad Hossein Doroudi, the chief prosecutor of Mashhad, during a press briefing. Such sentiments echo long-standing governmental perspectives that view pet dogs as symbols of Western influence, thereby reinforcing social stricture. Furthermore, religious ideologies also play a crucial role, with Islam classifying dogs as "najes" or impure, complicating their acceptance in Iranian society.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, supports this viewpoint, having issued a fatwa underscoring the belief that a dog’s presence could nullify prayer, alongside concerns about impurity from dog saliva and fur.

With the renewed focus on enforcement, violators in cities like Mashhad can expect initial warnings; however, if disregarded, they might face fines or have their dogs confiscated. This development signals a growing tension between traditional beliefs and evolving societal norms regarding pet ownership in Iran.