The dogs are officially considered the property of the state, but Moon took the pair given to him by Kim Jong-un, and one of their seven dogs, home when he left the presidential palace in May. It became possible after a change in the law on gifts to chiefs in the form of plants and animals.
However, Moon’s office announced on Monday that it can no longer take care of the dogs because the current government, he says, refuses to pay for food, veterinary care and the salaries of people who are supposed to take care of the animals.
“The president’s office, unlike the Presidential Archives and the Ministry of Interior, appears to have a negative view of former President Moon being tasked with looking after Pongsan dogs,” Moon’s office wrote, adding that it was disappointing because Moon loved dogs.
The Presidential Archives preserve documents and other materials from the President’s office for the future.
The dogs were returned to the government on Tuesday, according to the Home Office, which states there is a budget plan for dogs, but it has been put on hold.
According to Yoon’s office, Moon’s entire decision is to return the bongsan dogs to the presidential archive rather than wait for ongoing financial support discussions.
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