Controversy erupts over Muslim leaders' calls to ban dogs in NYC

Congressman Randy Fine condemns Islamic activist's tweet calling for end to pet dogs in New York City

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A controversy has erupted after a prominent Islamic activist in New York City, Nerdeen Kiswani, tweeted that the city 'coming to Islam' needs to end the practice of pet dogs because they are 'unclean'. This prompted a strong rebuke from Congressman Randy Fine, who accused Kiswani and other Muslim leaders of trying to impose Sharia law and Islamic rules on Western society. The debate has highlighted growing tensions over the treatment of dogs in Muslim communities and the perceived encroachment of Islamic values in the US.

Why it matters

This controversy touches on the broader debate over the role of Islam in Western societies and the perceived clash between Islamic and Western cultural norms. The push to restrict or eliminate dogs, which are beloved pets in the West, is seen by some as a symbolic effort to gradually impose Sharia law and Islamic rules on non-Muslim populations.

The details

Kiswani, a prominent Islamic activist in New York City, tweeted that the city 'coming to Islam' needs to end the practice of pet dogs because they are 'unclean'. This prompted a strong rebuke from Congressman Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, who accused Kiswani and other Muslim leaders of trying to impose Sharia law. Fine argued that this is part of a broader effort by some in the Muslim community to slowly erode Western cultural norms. The debate has highlighted the tensions over the treatment of dogs, which are often viewed with disdain in parts of the Muslim world due to religious beliefs.

  • In February 2026, Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent Islamic activist in New York City, tweeted that the city 'coming to Islam' needs to end the practice of pet dogs.
  • On February 15, 2026, Congressman Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, responded to Kiswani's tweet, condemning the effort to ban dogs as an attempt to impose Sharia law.

The players

Nerdeen Kiswani

A prominent Islamic activist in New York City who tweeted that the city 'coming to Islam' needs to end the practice of pet dogs.

Congressman Randy Fine

A Republican Congressman from Florida who strongly condemned Kiswani's tweet and accused Muslim leaders of trying to impose Sharia law and Islamic rules on Western society.

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What they’re saying

“New York City, which is 'coming to Islam,' needed to end the practice of pet dogs because they are 'unclean'.”

— Nerdeen Kiswani, Islamic activist (Twitter)

“Islam is not a race, moron. It is a religion. One where some of its New York leadership is calling for the abolition of dogs.”

— Congressman Randy Fine (Twitter)

“You really want to make common cause with those who want to ban Americans from having dogs?”

— Congressman Randy Fine (Twitter)

What’s next

Congressman Fine has vowed to continue debating this issue and defending the rights of Americans to own pet dogs, even as some Muslim leaders push for restrictions. The controversy is likely to continue as the debate over the role of Islam in Western societies intensifies.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between Islamic and Western cultural norms, particularly around issues like the treatment of animals. It underscores the broader debate over the place of Islam in Western societies and the perceived threat of Sharia law encroaching on traditional Western values.