The Islamic Republic of Iran has maintained a complex relationship with pets over the years, but now it directly raises its prohibition by considering “Dangerous” and “unclean” animals such as cats and dogs .
“Animals cause a gradual change in Iranian and Islamic lifestyle and substitutes love and sentimental ties between people for that of animals ”, reads a draft of the law sent this month to the Parliament of Iran.
The project of the “Law of Public Protection against Dangerous and Harmful Animals” proposes the prohibition of “the import, reproduction, breeding, sale or transport of dangerous and dirty animals”, in addition to their presence in public spaces.
Among the dangerous animals are crocodiles, turtles, snakes, chameleons, rats and monkeys .
But also other more common ones such as dogs, cats and rabbits .
S If the text is approved, these actions would be fined with amounts between 10 and 30 times the country’s minimum wage and the confiscation of animals.
The law allows certain organizations, such as the Police, pharmaceutical laboratories and the Armed Forces, among others, to have animals.
And it establishes that if a person wants a dog or a cat can request a special permit at the tax office of each province, which will “investigate” the petitions.
Impure
The 75 parliamentarians -of a total of 100 of the hemicycle- who have presented the legislation argue that animals spread diseases, “create impurities”, cause “psychological damage”, “stress” and “damage the spirit of people”, among other issues.
And it is that Islam considers dogs the best friend of the man in some countries, impure animals.
It is an “essential nayes” for this religion, that is, its contact leaves the Muslim in a state of impurity that prevents him from complying with his religious rites.
The sweat, saliva and hair of dogs “make people dirty” and cause the prayer “not valid”, in the opinion of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khameneí.
The late Ayatollah Ruholá Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, affirmed even in the years 80 that a building built on land where a dog urinated or passed will be unclean.
Despite this, in the most modern urban centers, such as the wealthier northern neighborhoods of Tehran, the number of citizens walking their pets has increased in recent years.
This increase in dogs in the streets has caused clashes between the mayor of the Iranian capital and canine lovers with the authorities trying to ev Allow dogs to be walked, even if there are no laws prohibiting it.
The response to the legislation The proposal ranges from the approval of the most conservative to the anger of the less religious or irony.
“ In my opinion it has no logic” , Maryam Talaí, activist in favor of animals and owner of a shelter for dogs in Tehran, tells Efe.
“I don’t know why a group of parliamentarians dedicate their time and money from the people to deal with this issue instead of solving the country’s problems ”, he continues.
The actress Hanieh Tavassoli opted for irony with a photo of her cat on Instagram with the dedication “my dangerous darling” in reference to the legislation. Post received more than 60, 000 “I like” and caused almost 1, 500 comments.
For its part, the Veterinary Association described the law as anti-animalistic .
“The The text of the law is anti-animalistic and goes beyond the customs and religious laws ”, according to the association.
A cat café
The growing fondness for animals of some citizens of Tehran can be appreciated in the café Museo del Gato Persa, an establishment where in addition to pizzas and salads you can enjoy the company of kittens.
On its second and third floors, 27 cats, of different types, rest in the sun or allow themselves to be caressed by visitors.
The site, which opened just before the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, receives daily some 100 visitors, attracted by animals, especially women or families with children.
One of them is Shadí Aydarí, a young of 20 years who often comes because her parents do not allow her to have a cat at home .
“ That law is wrong, it seems exaggerated and very harsh . I don’t see any problem with people wanting to have pets, ”he says in the building full of cats.
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