Boasting in Dog Skin

The head of the Iranian Neuroscience Association states that the age of stroke in Iran has decreased by 10 years, and the mortality rate from this disease has increased. How much is the relationship between stroke and environmental pollution? Last week at Tehran's Friday Market, some street vendors dyed dog and wolf skins and sold them as leopard and tiger skins. These two topics are part of a program called 'One House, One Land' on Radio Farda. It is a holiday in May, and you decide to visit the Friday Market in Tehran. In the Parvaneh Mall opposite the Plasco building, which is filled with stalls and vendors claiming their prices are unmatched. They say their goods are genuine silver and sell signed artworks, showcasing the antiquity and authenticity of their carpets and household items. Along the way, you encounter two vendors claiming to sell tanned tiger and leopard skins. The skins of animals spread out like a piece of carpet with tails and ears hanging down on the ground. What is your reaction in this situation? Perhaps like someone who is shocked by this scene, you would contact the provincial environmental protection unit. They would send forces to the location, and experts would examine these skins. It would later be revealed that these tanned skins are dyed dog skins. The presence of wolf skins would also be confirmed under a microscope. Two vendors have been arrested. It has been established that artificial markings resembling the patterns of tiger bodies and spots of leopards have been painted on these animal skins. Iman Memarian, a wildlife veterinarian, was among the specialists who went to the site on Friday, May 11. He states that it is unclear how these animals, including dogs, were killed and how their skins ended up being sold at a Friday market: 'Anyone who can do such a thing does not think about the fate of the animal whose skin they are buying. Many times, sellers claim that these skins are imported. But it doesn't matter; whether someone kills the animal themselves and sells its skin or someone buys and sells the skin of a killed animal, both are complicit in the killing of that animal.' Cow skins with colored spots and Merino sheep with thick and warm wool have been attractive to some home decoration enthusiasts. For this reason, tanners usually sell cow and meat sheep skins at high prices to those interested in decorating their homes with animal skins. However, with a little search, you can find fox, kangaroo, deer, gazelle, and other animal skins anywhere in Iran. Aside from the fact that there has always been debate about the methods of killing these animals with poison and bait to obtain healthy skins, some of these creatures are on the wildlife list that live naturally without human intervention. Tigers and leopards are also on the endangered species list, and buying and selling their skins is legally punishable. Why does the sale of leopard and tiger fur coats and skins in various clothing still have so many fans? Iman Memarian, a veterinarian and wildlife researcher, says: 'Unfortunately, there is a belief that keeping the skins of wild animals at home demonstrates a person's (financial) ability, power, or aesthetics. However, this practice and this industry severely harm wildlife and lead to increased smuggling and hunting of wild animals.' In many countries, this method of killing and selling animal skins and furs faces opposition from animal rights advocates; it has specific laws, and smuggling it will incur heavy penalties. Although wearing animal clothing has become established among some movie and music stars, there are always some among these stars who oppose this environmentally and animal-unfriendly method and strive to raise public awareness. In Islamic Penal Code, there is no law against harming and killing domestic animals like dogs, but the Environmental Protection Organization has stated that it is ready to cooperate in drafting laws, guidelines, or necessary instructions regarding animal rights. Iman Memarian, a veterinarian at the Environmental Protection Organization, who also cares for endangered species under this organization in Pardisan Park, speaks about the fate of those who commit such acts in Iran's wildlife: 'The hunting and capturing of wild animals law has improved a bit, and heavier fines have been set, especially for endangered species. Along with the discovered dog skins, wolf skins were also found, which incur a fine of five million tomans under Islamic Penal Code, and based on the judge's opinion, imprisonment of three months to three years is also considered. However, since the Environmental Protection Organization is responsible for wild animals, the laws are not set based on dealing with domestic animals. Nevertheless, selling dog skins also has religious issues that can be addressed.' The connection between increasing environmental pollution and decreasing stroke age in Iran: Two decades of research on heart diseases show that air pollution can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in a study conducted in collaboration with the American Heart and Brain Association, has reported a correlation between the risk of vascular diseases and increased risk of stroke and heart attack with air pollution in various regions. Perhaps this is why it has been announced that in Iran, where its metropolises have been struggling with air pollution for years, the age of strokes is 10 years lower than in developed countries. Dr. Nathan Shaulian, a neurologist in Beverly Hills, California, states that the relationship between these diseases and environmental pollution is possible alongside other factors: 'When the air is more polluted, the risk of stroke increases. Similarly, if there are chemicals and pollutants in the water, the risk of stroke is also high. In one study, arsenic levels in water were measured, and a direct relationship was found between increased stroke risk and it.' According to him, in Iran, blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar are likely not well controlled: 'In America, especially in California, the air is very polluted. However, we also have patients who, despite being older, take better care of themselves by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure so that the risk of stroke does not increase due to polluted air. Polluted air damages the vessels and capillaries, and after a while, the vessels get blocked. When the vessels are injured, cholesterol is absorbed more in the walls of the vessels, and the vessels get blocked more easily.' The head of the Environmental Protection Organization stated last week that no official can promise the people that the dust problem will be resolved in the coming years and after years of increasing air pollution in Tehran said: people must cope with the problem of dust. Dust can be one of several reasons for strokes and heart attacks. A stroke can occur due to the blockage or rupture of one of the blood vessels supplying the brain. Experts say that stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The secretary of the 22nd International Congress of Neurology and Clinical Electrophysiology of Iran stated that the conditions for stroke in Iran have reached a point where a stroke emergency center will be established in the country. Scientists say that prolonged exposure to air pollution damages the brain. Dr. Nathan Shaulian, a neurologist in America, says stroke emergencies can be useful in such conditions where environmental pollution in the country is increasing. Masoumeh Ebtekar, head of Iran's Environmental Protection Organization, had previously announced that this organization has provided the necessary documents regarding the 'polluted gasoline' case to judicial authorities. Polluted gasoline is one of the biggest causes of air pollution in Tehran and some large cities, where the statistics of increased strokes may also be on the rise.