South Korea’s First Lady discusses dog meat ban with Queen Camilla

The legislative move was among the topics that Kim discussed with King Charles the Queen, along with climate change, literature, healthcare, and well-being, revealed presidential spokesman Lee Do-woon in a written statement, according to a Monday report by The Straits Times.

Britain’s Queen Camilla (R) stands with Kim Keon-hee, wife of South Korea’s President, during a Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade in central London on Nov. 21, 2023. Photo by AFP

South Korean authorities announced earlier this month that the ruling party was planning to introduce a bill by the end of this year to enforce a ban on dog meat consumption in the country, a move aimed at raising awareness of animal rights, according to Reuters.

It has been reported that there were about 3,500 dog-breeding farms that sell the canine to slaughterhouses across South Korea in 2022. These businesses will be granted a three-year grace period and financial support to transition to other fields of operation if the bill is passed by the National Assembly.

In response, Queen Camilla said she welcomed Kim’s initiative and looked forward to the follow-through of her efforts.

Kim has long been an active critic of dog meat consumption. She and her husband, President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea, have also adopted several stray dogs.

The South Korean couple has recently returned to Seoul after their European trip, including a brief visit to France following their four-day stay in the United Kingdom.