Ukraine has come under huge criticism from animal welfare organizations for killing stray cats and dogs in order to prepare for Euro 2012. It was reported from quite a while back that cats and dogs are poisoned with illegal substances, shot or simply burned alive in a mobile crematorium. In November 2011 the Ukrainian Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources urged mayors around the country to stop killing stray animals for half a year and build shelters instead, but it remains unclear how the ban would be enforced. The ministry's comments also seemed to suggest that the six-month ban was only a temporary measure, drawing further criticism. In April 2012, it was found that despite promises from Prime Minister Mykola Azarov to stop the killings, dogs were still being regularly slaughtered in preparation for the tournament.