Animal Welfare and Rights in Iran Overview

Iran has a complex history with animal welfare and rights, with some laws in place to protect animals but also many challenges and controversies.

The Animal Protection Act of 1982 is the primary legislation governing animal welfare in Iran, but it is often criticized for being inadequate and poorly enforced.

Iran has a significant animal population, with an estimated 80 million animals living in the country, including livestock, pets, and wildlife.

The country's animal welfare laws and regulations are often at odds with cultural and traditional practices, such as the use of animals for transportation and entertainment.

Iran lacks even the most basic animal cruelty legislation, making it difficult to protect animals from suffering.

The country holds the lowest possible 'G' rating on the World Animal Protection Index, indicating a poor record on animal rights.

Drivers in Iran often won't slow down for animals crossing the street, resulting in many animals being hit by cars.

Some people in Iran still think of dogs as unclean, leading to inhumane treatment such as being tied up and dragged behind a car.

The municipality's response to animal welfare issues is often dismissive, with one official stating that animals are a problem in their town.

There is even an official job in Iran for people hired to kill stray dogs, making it clear that the government is not prioritizing animal welfare.

Dog owners in Iran face restrictions on walking their dogs, as police can shoot or confiscate them if they're seen doing so, due to Islamic beliefs that dogs are unclean.

Iran has a growing animal welfare movement, with organizations like the Iranian Anti-Vivisection Association (IAVA) campaigning for alternatives to animal testing.

The IAVA was recognized as Iran's most active animal rights group in 2012 by Iran Animal Rights Watch, earning them the Brown Bear Award.

In 2015, a disturbing video of men killing dogs with acid in Shiraz sparked protests against animal cruelty towards dogs, highlighting the need for more humane treatment of animals.

Activists in Tabriz successfully persuaded local officials to stop the killing of dogs and allow them to be sheltered and vaccinated instead.

The Iranian Department of Environment banned the use of wildlife in circuses in 2016, a result of the "No to Circus!" campaign launched by Animal Rights Watch and Animal Defenders International in 2014.

Iran has made strides in promoting animal welfare.

The Iranian Anti-Vivisection Association (IAVA) is Iran's first anti-vivisection group. They campaign for alternatives to animal testing and received the Brown Bear Award in 2012 for being Iran's most active animal rights group.

Activists in Iran have successfully stopped dog killings in some cities. In Shiraz, protests erupted after videos showed men killing dogs with acid, leading to demands for shelters and vaccinations instead of killings.

Iran's animal welfare laws are lacking, with no basic anti-cruelty legislation in place. This is a major concern, as many countries have laws that protect animals from cruelty and abuse.

The country received a poor grade of G out of possible grades A to F on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index. This indicates a significant need for improvement in animal welfare laws and regulations.

In a positive step, Iran stopped issuing permits for wild animal circuses in 2016.

Recommended read: Stop Cruelty towards Animals

Iran's poultry industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, producing approximately 2 billion birds in 2012.

The industry has grown rapidly, with output rising from 195,000 tons in 1978 to 2.1 million tons in 2012.

There are no regulations on the welfare of farm animals in Iran, leaving them vulnerable to inhumane treatment.

Stunning at slaughter is not required, which can result in animals experiencing unnecessary pain and distress.

De-beaking, de-toeing, tail-docking, tooth pulling, castration, and dehorning of livestock without anaesthetic are all legal practices in Iran.

Livestock are also confined in gestation crates, veal crates, and battery cages, which can cause significant suffering and stress.

Iran's animal welfare movement is gaining momentum. The Iranian Anti-Vivisection Association (IAVA) is a notable example, campaigning for alternatives to animal testing since its inception.

The IAVA's efforts have earned them recognition, including the Brown Bear Award in 2012 for being Iran's most active animal rights group.

In 2015, a disturbing trend of men killing dogs with acid in Shiraz sparked widespread protests against animal cruelty. Activists demanded an end to the killings and called for dogs to be sheltered and vaccinated instead.

Local officials in Tabriz were persuaded to stop the killings and allow activists to set up a dog shelter.

The "No to Circus!" campaign launched by Animal Rights Watch and Animal Defenders International in 2014 led to the Iranian Department of Environment's ban on using wildlife in circuses in 2016.

The Iranian Anti-Vivisection Association (IAVA) is Iran's first anti-vivisection group, campaigning for alternatives to animal testing.

In 2012, the IAVA was recognized as Iran's most active animal rights group by Iran Animal Rights Watch, receiving the Brown Bear Award.

Videos of men killing dogs with acid in Shiraz sparked protests against animal cruelty towards dogs, leading activists to demand a stop to the killings and provision of shelters and vaccinations for dogs.

Activists in Tabriz successfully persuaded local officials to allow them to place dogs in a shelter, preventing further killings.

The "No to Circus!" campaign, launched by Animal Rights Watch and Animal Defenders International in 2014, resulted in the Iranian Department of Environment's 2016 ban on using wildlife in circuses.