As reported in the Chicago Tribune, A prohibition went into effect on Wednesday that bans selling cats and dogs and walking dogs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was decided because men and women often use their dogs as an excuse to strike up a conversation. In this strict Islamic country, they want to keep the human sexes apart. Violators will get their dogs confiscated by agents of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, the official name of the religious police, tasked with enforcing Saudi Arabia's strict Islamic code.

"If a man is caught with a pet, the pet will be immediately confiscated and the man will be forced to sign a document pledging not to repeat the act," al-Othman told the Al-Hayat newspaper. "If he does, he will be referred to authorities." The ban does not address women.

According to the article, part of the reason for the new rule is to curb the corrupting Western influence of pet ownership and fast food.

So what will now happen to all the dogs in Saudia Arabia that need regular exercise and socialization?

We should feel lucky to be able to enjoy our dogs without ridiculous religious rules and regulations that prevent us from taking well behaved dogs with us and enjoying their company. I suggest that everyone reading this take their dog out today for a special outing and celebrate our freedom and ability to make our own decisions. 

Read the entire article here.