We have previously discussed violence and legal measures targeting dogs by some Muslims who view canines as “unclean.” Even postcards with dogs and service dogs (and here) have raised the ire of some Muslim groups. Now this issue is getting some long-needed attention in Iran after a short film that showed stray dogs being tortured and killed by having acid injected into them.
The video was taken an industrial area of Shiraz, 900 kilometres south of Tehran. The animal activists claimed that those responsible paid $4 for each dog. As with environmentalists in China, I have always had overwhelming respect and admiration for secularists and animal (particularly dog) advocates in Muslim countries. This is more than an impressive commitment to principle but putting your actual life on the line for those principles.
The good news is that the Iranian government is acting on the video. While there was an effort to criminalize the ownership of dogs under Sharia law (and subject dog owners to up to 74 lashed last year), Vice President Masoumeh Ebtekar has called for an investigation into the video. While she referred rather mildly to the practice as “an immediate end to unconventional population control method[] for stray dogs,” she did call upon the interior ministry to “deal with the criminals responsible”.
Some Iranian celebrities like Ali Karimi, once a star on Iran’s national football team, posted a picture with his two dogs on Instagram and the message “Dogs are the kindest domestic animals. I hope those who, under any excuse, did this to these animals get what they deserve.”
Karen S
he’s Baghdad Po: ” “I triple guarantee you, there are no anti-dog laws in Iran!“.
How many times has Po indicated that I was a liar and stupid because I said it’s terrible that dogs are viewed as unclean under Islam in the Middle East, and that I hoped moderates reformed from within.
This is a very typical attempt to silence any and all critics of extremist Islam. Muslim women activists run into this every day.
I’m so blessed and happy that I live in the US, and that people like Po have no power over me.
Or perhaps you could explain to the chief of police that he is mistaken:
“We will confront those who walk their dogs in the streets. Cars carrying dogs will also be impounded,” deputy police chief Ahmad Reza Radan angrily told the Fars news agency.”
Po:
“Reading comprehension is, I agree, a must. So perhaps you ought to work on yours!
Since you cannot, allow me to comprehend your links for you.”
Oh, yeah, another slight on my intelligence. Quite the gentleman.
From your OWN quoting of my OWN link which I did in fact read:
“As of last month, dog owners will no longer be able to own a pet. Tehran police officials announced that anyone driving with a dog or walking a dog will be punished, and any dog found on the streets will be picked up by authorities and taken away.”
Since I posted a link to the first animal shelter ever to be built in Iran, in 2004, and I’ve remarked about animal activists, yes, I know some people keep dogs in Iran. Hence the source for all the dogs in Iran that keep getting tortured and killed. Hence my call for dog lovers and animal activists to reform the region from within.
So, yes, they have cracked down on dogs. If you do not believe me that dogs are not permitted in public spaces or apartments, as I detailed above, then I suggest you call some rental properties in Iran. That is, if you speak Farsi. Or find someone who can, and can explain it to you.
You’re just a fraud who tries to silence critics.
Paul
Re naming your pets, I have named two of my chickens Karen and DBQ…Nice hens but not much up there! I have to show them the food bowl but they keep missing it!
Would never thought of eating them though.
That’s a fact.
Especially near dinner time.
http://www.sablerockkennels.com/10509hexe.jpg
Karen….you are completely wasting your time trying to reason with po. This person is not capable of addressing the issues and has an agenda. You might as well have an in depth discussion with your chickens. At least THEY will produce something of value.
I was bitten by my sister when I was a kid.
I still like her though it left a bad feeling for tater tots.
I have eaten defensively ever since.
Pogo – It wouldn’t hurt to be cautious around your sister, still. 😉
Karen, Karen, Karen…
mullah, Mullah, Mullah
Reading comprehension is, I agree, a must. So perhaps you ought to work on yours!
Since you cannot, allow me to comprehend your links for you.
Both state that Iran SET to … which implies that it will lead there but is currently not there. There is no law making dog ownership illegal in Iran, NONE!
Unlike what you said :
Karen S
Po:
Dog ownership is currently illegal in Iran.
From one of those links, here it is: “Karen S
Po:
Even though Iran’s penal code does not estate that owing a dog is illegal, Islamic law deems the pets “impure” animals and forbids citizens from owning one. In the past, dog lovers did whatever they could to own a pet and keep it safe from being impounded by authorities. Many times, this meant paying high fines.
As of last month, dog owners will no longer be able to own a pet. Tehran police officials announced that anyone driving with a dog or walking a dog will be punished, and any dog found on the streets will be picked up by authorities and taken away.
In an interview Dr. Reza Javalchi, president of the Iranian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, gave to FRANCE 24 and published on The Observers, he said that this new decision seems illogical.
“You don’t have to travel far outside of Tehran to realize that there are many veterinarian clinics that treat dogs, as well as many canine breeders,” said Javalchi. The police and the Red Cross also use dogs for some of their work. This new decision seems absurd. The police even hide out near veterinarian clinics to confiscate dogs when they come out!”
According to AFP despite the strong crack down on pet owners, the demand for dogs in local markets has seen an increase in recent years.
Good grief.
Paul – sorry, I didn’t know. Sorry about your bad experience. Just read your post.
my attitude towards dog breeds is that the ones bred to “do something” have the best minds.
I agree. The working breeds are smart. Some Australian Shepherds and cattle dogs are scary smart. We have a cutting horse competition event here. Those horses are so smart, they don’t even need the rider to guide them. There is another featuring the herding dogs. It is a kick to see the dogs work the cattle.
We used to own retrievers, back in the day when we hunted a lot. The smartest dog I ever owned ( the most willful and stubborn too) was a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. We had him entered in field trials and he was a wiz at blind retrieves. Took silent commands and hand signals like he was reading our minds. Smart dog. Not so good around little children like our Labs, though.
On another note, here is a link to one of the very rare animal shelters in Iran. This is the first one ever created, in 2004:
http://www.vafashelter.com/main/en/about-us/who-we-are
“Every year, in our country, Iran, many dogs are killed under the pretext of their upsurge. Yet, every year, animal lovers who are especially keen to help dogs, attempt myriad endeavors to save their lives and prevent these brutal mass killings, despite the innumerable challenges along the way.”
“First, by spaying/neutering, we can effectively curb the birth rate among dogs in a humane manner that is a far cry from the gruesome and vile ways used by the “officials” in Iran – which by the way have proven to be unsuccessful, and indeed quite atrocious. Second, by vaccinating the dogs, we can protect them against ailments and suffering, while also relieving the (wrongful) rationale that they are dangerous for humans.”
Considering the remarks of the police chief above, these people are very brave, kind people. I honor them and pray for their success in changing hearts and minds.
Po:
“Some would call it lying, but I am a gentleman, I’ll just assume that you, Ayatollah Karen, are just severely, repeatedly and assertively mistaken!”
I call shenanigans. You see, one aspect of Word Mess is that you can’t delete comments after they’ve posted.
From your own posts above:
“You are being both hypocritical and less than honest for claiming that I have issues with anyone saying anything about Islam or extremism.”
“Such dishonesty, hahaha…wow! remarkable!”
“How do you live with such dishonesty??”
“If Islam were a man, I bet you’d marry it. Why don’t you convert and just embrace your secret desire to be part of a harem? I bet I can arrange that.”
“Mullah Kare. oops, Ayatollah Karen!
Dog ownership is illegal in Iran? ANOTHER LIE!!!!!!!!
Okay, I’ll play along, offer a proof!
If you can’t offer a proof, you’d have thereby confirmed what I have saying that you are prone to saying things that are blatantly untrue..”
“What facts? The one you..um…created out of thin air or like…real facts…?”
You’re nothing but a fraud. I know it, and everyone with reading comprehension skills knows it, too.
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2013/06/dogs-no-longer-welcomed-in-iran/
(Police hide outside of vet clinics to seize dogs. Hunting and herding dogs are allowed, but middle class dog ownership is no longer allowed.)
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/iran-set-ban-dogs-public-places-article-1.1365861
“We will confront those who walk their dogs in the streets. Cars carrying dogs will also be impounded,” deputy police chief Ahmad Reza Radan angrily told the Fars news agency.”
The 74 lashes law was defeated by animal rights activists. I think they have great courage agitating for change in a country where there are no free speech protections.
Paul C … the thread is about dogs. If our comments bother you, that is what your scroll wheel is for. Our distraction is minor compared to others who somehow drag RFRA in to the mix.
Aridog – I would not mind if it were about DOGS, but this is just about Shepherds. Nice breed, but not my favorite. Was bit by one as a kid and it left a bad feeling for the breed.
Karen S … we once had a purely American bloodline GSD that was beautiful, but had all the typical “American” features…and the worst was not the raked top-line, but a congenital disease called Oespohogus which killed him at age 6.5. Unable to eat normally by age 6 we fed him by our fingers with raw eggs until he could not longer swallow even that meager diet. He died in my arms in our back yard…trying to play until his last moments when everything just shut down. First he went blind then he died. That experience causes my disgust for the AKC practices vis a vis breeding…he had inbreeding times over in his pedigree. My mistake and one I will never make again.
For the record, the AKC affiliate “German Shepherd Dog Club of America” now uses exclusively dogs bred from European lines for Schutzhund trials in the WUSV annual event….which we (the USCA) have to share team membership with due to dual recognition by the international dog agency.
Aridog – my attitude towards dog breeds is that the ones bred to “do something” have the best minds. I agree that performance is far more important than color, and I’d rather have a soul mate dog of any color than a particular coat color.
I will say that a sable GSD has always made my heart go pitter pat.
Do they use sheep to get the herding title for GSD? They are a soft eye, and not a hard eye herder like a border collie, right? I’ve never seen a GSD work a herd. That must be a sight to see.
Karen says:
Are you over-faced by a serious discussion and facts?
—————————————
What facts? The one you..um…created out of thin air or like…real facts…?
Some would call it lying, but I am a gentleman, I’ll just assume that you, Ayatollah Karen, are just severely, repeatedly and assertively mistaken!