RELIGIOUS POLICE in the Saudi city of Mecca have called for the sale of dogs to be banned.

The commission for the promotion of virtue and the prevention of vice made the request after young people were said to be violating the cultures and traditions of the kingdom by being seen out in public with their pets.

The influence of Western culture on Saudi youths is being blamed for the rise in dog ownership, which is said to be causing distress to families and youngsters who see the dogs in public.

It has now been made illegal to sell dogs or cats in the city.