DUBAI - Authorities in the Saudi city of Mecca have banned the sale of pet cats and dogs at the request of religious police, the Arab News reported on Thursday.
The Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice made the request after many young Saudis had gone outdoors with their pet dogs thus violating the kingdomÂ’s culture and traditions. Authorities in the city of Jeddah have also begun enforcing the decision, the report said.
The commission complained that Saudi youth, apparently influenced by Western culture, were bringing their pets into public places, allegedly causing distress to families with young children. "Mommy, mommy, why can't I have a puppy like him?"
"Because they are evil. Now shut up and play with your Jihad Joe doll." |
The Jeddah Municipality had received a letter from the Mecca governorate banning the sale of pet dogs and cats in the city, the report added. Islam considers dogs unclean and Muslim traditional families do not keep dogs as pets, while there is no mention of cats. | Unless the Koran sez big Mo had a cat, they must be banned, oh wait, he was a cat lover |
Saudi Arabia applies a strict interpretation of the Islamic law. The religious police is a special force that makes citizens comply with the strict social norms. |