Research Report; Pets in Iran

For many years, humans have domesticated animals for work, companionship, or entertainment. With the increasing interest in keeping pets in Iran and the lack of details regarding pet owners and their problems with official and unofficial restrictions, the 'Open Data Base of Iran' conducted a survey to examine statistics related to pet ownership and its conditions in Iran after issuing a call for participation. About three-quarters of the respondents indicated that they keep some type of pet, with a higher number of men than women among them. Dogs and cats make up the majority of pets, but a diverse range of birds, aquatic animals, and reptiles are also reported to be kept by respondents. Half of the respondents reported disturbances from officials when taking their pets out for walks, and a larger number mentioned facing harassment from irresponsible individuals. In Islamic countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Brunei, there are also restrictions on pets in public places similar to those in Iran. Last year, a proposal was presented in the Islamic Consultative Assembly prohibiting the keeping and walking of animals such as dogs, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, and lizards in public places. Officially, pet ownership is not accepted in Iran, but Peyman Mohabi, former president of the Iranian Veterinary Society, stated in August last year to 'Khabar Online' that according to statistics, the Veterinary Organization estimated that there are between 6 to 8 million pets of dogs and cats in Iran, with one in ten Iranians owning a pet. The website 'Ensaf News' also noted in February 2019 that religious families also keep pets. Despite restrictions, there have been reports of keeping tigers, leopards, and crocodiles in homes, and some reports indicate a significant number of home zoos. The market for buying and selling pets is very vibrant, with prices ranging from 2 million tomans for a husky to 50 million tomans for a snake. In an online survey conducted by the Open Data Base of Iran from July 25 to August 26 of this year, 1,101 individuals participated. Among them, 55% were male and 45% were female. 98% of the respondents, who were spread across 31 provinces of Iran, lived in urban areas, while 2% lived in rural areas. It is estimated that there are over 900 million dogs and 600 million pet cats worldwide. However, global statistics in this area are not precise. The statistics regarding Iran are also not accurate, but based on the estimate of the former president of the Veterinary Society last year, there are between 6 to 8 million pets of dogs and cats in Iran. A proposal by 75 members of parliament to punish pet owners in Iran has emerged, with a member of the National Security Commission stating that applicants wishing to keep dogs should 'apply for a permit.' The expansion of home zoos in the midst of wildlife crises in Iran is a new concern for parliament members, along with the prohibition of walking 'unclean' animals in cities. The debate over the prohibition of pet ownership continues, with supporters and opponents voicing their opinions. The implementation of the 'dog-walking combat plan' in Iran has been criticized by Kaveh Madani, who argues that officials' efforts will have the opposite effect.