Media reports indicate that thirty-nine of Iran's 290 parliamentarians have tabled a motion to ban dogs from public places, as well as private flats. Dogs are considered "unclean" by Muslims.
However, in recent years, man's best friend has started to appear in some wealthy districts of northern Tehran, where dog owners can be seen perambulating their pooches in streets and parks.
There is no official estimate of the canine population, but it is unlikely to exceed a few thousand.
"Walking dangerous, unhealthy or unclean animals such as dogs in places and public transport is forbidden," states the bill, which specifies that violators will be fined $100 (69 euros) to $500 and that "their animal will be confiscated."
Similarly, the draft bill states that "it is forbidden to keep such animals in an apartment."
A police circular already forbids dogs from cars and from being walked in public places, but the law is barely enforced.
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Source-AFP