"No, my cat is not dangerous," says Iranian animal lover Mostafa, outraged by a proposal from ultraconservative lawmakers to ban pets.
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In their introduction, the authors condemn the practice of humans living under one roof with domesticated animals as a "
destructive social problem".
The phenomenon, they explain, could "
gradually change the Iranian and Islamic way of life" by "
replacing human and family relationships with feelings and emotional relationships towards animals".
The proposed law would prohibit "importing, raising, assisting in the breeding of, breeding, buying or selling, transporting, driving or walking, and keeping in the home wild, exotic, harmful and dangerous animals".
It lists the animals to be banned as "crocodiles, turtles, snakes, lizards, cats, mice, rabbits, dogs and other unclean animals as well as monkeys".
Offenders would risk a fine equivalent to 10 to 30 times the "minimum monthly working wage" of about $98 or 87 euros and the "confiscation" of the animal.
In addition, vehicles used to transport the animal would be confiscated for three months.
