Homeless Stray Dog Editorial Photo

Kiev, Ukraine – November 16, 2011: Ukraine has a large stray dog population, estimated at tens of thousands in some cities. The dogs, often running in packs, can be seen on streets, in parks and even children's playgrounds. Stray dogs are being rounded up and killed in the run up to Euro 2012 so that Ukraine can look spick and span for visiting foreign football teams and supporters. Animal rights activists found animals were being shot, poisoned and hanged by “street cleaning” squads — with some even being taken to crematoriums and feared incinerated alive. The slaughter, which in the last year is believed to have resulted in the death of more than 12, 000 animals in Kiev alone, is allegedly continuing despite government promises to end the barbaric practice and build animal shelters.