A warm cup of soup in the Lower Mainland could help provide hope for dogs caught in Iran’s political unrest this weekend.   

Arezoo Asgarkhani, who moved to Canada in 2011, says she plans to raise funds by selling Ash Resteh — a traditional Iranian dish — for five dollars per bowl outside her home in Port Coquitlam on Saturday.    

“When I came to Canada a long time ago and touched a dog, I saw how people love the dog and how much this animal gives energy and support,” said Asgarkhani who has been helping dogs ever since.    

She says dog rescuers and animal shelters in Iran are facing a lack of support due to the regime’s internet censorship and financial difficulties.   

According to NetBlock, a global internet monitoring body, Iranians are slowly gaining internet access after the blackout imposed by the regime — but most websites are heavily restricted.    

Asgarkhani says she’s had trouble contacting her family, and worries about the lack of support from outside the country.   

That worry, she says, inspired the fundraiser.   

The economic struggles in Iran drove thousands of protestors out to the streets, leading to brutal police crackdowns. With demonstrations spreading, the Iranian government cut internet access to its citizens.   

Dog rescuers say the online restrictions made it hard to receive funds from overseas and harder still to transport dogs to other countries.   

Last June, local publications reported that Iran had expanded a ban on walking dogs outdoors. Now, violators in 25 cities could face arrests and have their vehicles impounded, according to the government.    

“If you see the police and you are with your dog in the car, he can stop your car, give a ticket to you and take your dog,” said Asgarkhani.  

Reports say walking dogs in public could be seen as a transgression against the Iranian regime.    

Mediya Abaee, an Iranian-Canadian woman who has adopted more than six dogs from her homeland through the Vancouver-based adoption agency Loved At Last Dogs, plans to attend Saturday’s fundraiser.   

Abaee also worries about how Iran’s financial situation is impacting dogs.    

She says the Iranian animal shelters cannot afford to import dry pet food due to the high currency rate.    

“[Kibble] can be kept longer and is easier to share in the shelters,” Abaee said.    

“They don’t have enough now.”    

Abaee says she cannot send money to Iranian shelters though currency exchange offices that would usually transfer Iranian rials after receiving Canadian dollars.   

“There is no chance to do that because [shelter owners] say the exchange offices in Iran don’t have internet.”    

Abaee says the money can be given to local international students who instruct their Iranian family members to donate the equivalent to the shelters.  

Since the internet blackout that started on Jan. 8, currency exchange offices in Iran have had to receive cash instead of online transfer from other countries.    

During the first few days of the internet blackout, Abaee says, Iranian dogs could not be transported.   

“All animals that we call pets and keep at home, they need international help — because we have a lot of them in Iran.”    

The Iranian government has reportedly considered dogs as a sign of western influence, with its government holding negative views towards dog ownership.    

According to Iran International, Mohammad Mousavian, a public prosecutor in Isfahan said in June that dog walking is a violation of public rights and a threat.    

1130 NewsRadio has reached out to the Iranian government for comment.   

Loved at Last Dogs partner Fariba, who has been sheltering dogs in Iran for 15 years, says rescuers like her might get burnt out or struggle emotionally.   

“This work carries physical strain — regularly lifting injured or disabled dogs has resulted in ongoing back and joint stress,” said Fariba.    

She says she relies on online platforms to connect with her international partners.    

Fariba says restricted internet access affects rescue efforts, such as fundraising, communication, and medical care. She also worries about the financial situation.    

“Rapid inflation, unstable pricing, and significant currency devaluation have made even basic animal food and veterinary supplies increasingly difficult to afford. Prices can change within weeks, sometimes days,” she explained.    

Fariba says the consistent support from dog lovers can help secure vaccinations, surgeries, and food for dogs in need.   

“To dog lovers in Canada raising funds, your efforts matter more than you may realize.”    

She says the awareness from international communities gives strength to the Iranian rescuers.    

“Compassion across borders truly makes a difference.”   

Asgarkhani’s fundraiser will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Riverside Drive in Port Coquitlam.