Forbidden Friendship: Iranians and Their Dogs

The Iranian parliament is currently considering a bill that would criminalize ownership of “wild, unconventional, harmful and dangerous” animals - which according to the draft, includes man's best friend alongside snakes, monkeys and alligators. Dog walking is already banned in Tehran, and dog ownership stigmatized by the authorities. So far, owners' protests have fallen on deaf ears. These are relationships based on mutual love, and dog owners in Iran endure harassment, criticism and even the threat of legal reprisal to keep their pets by their sides. 

Portraits by Azad Amin for Middle East Images