Newsflash from Wednesday, 11 November 2026:
Police officers from across Crete gathered in Heraklion for a day dedicated to animal welfare. The event focused on how officers can better protect animals and enforce the law against abuse and neglect.
According to the Cretan news site cretalive.gr, the informational and educational workshop took place on Thursday, 5 November 2026.
Who Organised It, and Where
The workshop was organised by the General Regional Police Directorate of Crete, the island-wide command of the Hellenic Police. It was held in the events hall of the Heraklion Police Directorate. Heraklion (Greek: Iraklio) is Crete’s largest city and capital, on the island’s north coast.
The event was part of the Hellenic Police’s Annual Action Plan for 2026 on the protection of animals.
Officers from police services all over Crete attended. Guests included:
- Major General Georgios Doukis, General Regional Police Director of Crete
- Brigadier Paraskevas Chinopoulos, Director of the Heraklion Police
- Maria Choustoulaki, representing the board of the Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation (known in Greek by the initials P.F.P.O.) and the non-governmental organisation “Zoforos”
“A Mirror of Our Civilisation”
In his opening address, Major General Doukis described Crete as the most natural place to discuss shared responsibility towards animals. He pointed to the island’s rich tradition of hospitality and people’s deep respect for nature and the creatures that share it.
He said the Hellenic Police play a decisive role in enforcing animal protection laws, safeguarding animal welfare and rights, and building public awareness and trust.
He concluded that the protection of animals is, ultimately, “a mirror of our civilisation.”
What Was on the Programme
Four speakers covered different sides of animal protection, from patrol work to the courtroom:
- Police Captain Emmanouil Voutyrakis, commander of the Sitia Police Station, spoke about how animal protection law works in practice, including inspections and good practices. Sitia is a town in eastern Crete, in the Lasithi region.
- Police Lieutenant Theodoros Perivolas of the 1st Police Station of Heraklion presented the Heraklion Police Directorate’s inspection unit, which has a specific focus on animal protection.
- Veterinarian Sofia Melidoni explained how to recognise signs of abuse and abandonment in companion animals. She stressed the need for early intervention and for keeping the public informed.
- Elena Florou, legal adviser to the P.F.P.O., talked about preparing case files for prosecution and the key points of the law as applied in the field.
The presentations were followed by a constructive discussion, with participants asking questions.
The Goals Behind the Workshop
According to cretalive.gr, the workshop had three main aims.
The first was to deepen officers’ knowledge of the current legal framework and the procedures it sets out.
The second was to build skills for handling complaints and cases of animal abuse effectively.
The third was to promote cooperation with animal welfare groups, veterinary services and local authorities.
What does this mean for visitors?
Whether you are on holiday in Crete or live here, you are likely to meet plenty of animals, from pets to strays. This workshop shows that local police are actively training to take animal welfare cases seriously.
- Report what you see: If you notice an animal that appears abused or abandoned, you can contact the police. Officers across the island have been trained to handle such complaints.
- Know the warning signs: The workshop highlighted the importance of recognising abuse and abandonment early. If something looks wrong, acting quickly can matter.
- Give clear details: Since the workshop covered how cases are documented for prosecution, a clear account of what you saw, where and when may help the authorities.
- Connect with local groups: Police are seeking closer cooperation with animal welfare organisations, vets and local authorities. Local welfare groups and veterinarians can also be useful contacts.
- Respect local rules: If you travel with a pet or adopt an animal while living in Crete, keep in mind that animal protection law is being actively enforced.
Source: cretalive.gr
