The Danish Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, plans to serve meatballs at the Ministry on a meat-free day, fulfilling his promise to counteract vegan protests targeting a local butcher. This decision follows recent vandalism at Slagterens Smørrebrød & Delikatesse on Islands Brygge, where the sidewalk in front of the shop was painted with graffiti.

The Minister of Culture announced his intentions on Facebook, stating that the action was in response to the latest attack on the butcher shop. He emphasized his commitment to abolishing a meat-free day at the Ministry of Culture as a consequence of the repeated acts of vandalism, even if it means purchasing the meatballs himself.

The butcher shop has been a focal point of demonstrations and vandalism by the group “Amager against butchers.” The shop has also garnered support from conservative politicians, including Inger Støjberg, Pia Kjærsgaard, and Jan E. Jørgensen, who have visited the establishment.

Vegan Activism Denmark shared a video of the vandalism, which included the text “Stop killing” spray-painted in pink in front of the butcher shop. A woman on a white bicycle attempted to intervene, urging the activists to protest elsewhere and arguing that their actions were counterproductive. In response, Sandie Ring, the butcher shop owner, offered the woman four red steaks as a token of gratitude.

Adam, a member of Vegan Activism Denmark, stated that the protests aim to highlight animal welfare issues in Denmark. He acknowledged the difficulty in gaining media attention without resorting to provocative actions but disclaimed his involvment in vandalism.