Shafaqna (International Shia News Agency) – The Grand Ayatollah Sistani answered some questions regarding animals. According to Shafaqna the questions and answers are as follows:
Question: Can I keep a cat in my house?
Answer: There is no problem in it and its hair is clean.
Question: If a dog licks my body or clothes, how should I purify it?
Answer: It is sufficient to wash it once. However, if the water is little, it is necessary to rid it of the water by wringing.
Question: Is it permissible to keep a dog? If not, why?
Answer: It is permissible to keep a guard dog but it is najis.
Source: Ayatollah Sistani
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