In the southernmost town of Europe, the Municipal Police of Ierapetra, Crete, has become a national model for compassion and innovation. Beyond enforcing the law, the service rescues abandoned and abused animals, challenges outdated perceptions that treat them as mere property, and promotes a culture of empathy and responsibility.
Under the leadership of Giannis Gaitanakis—an officer with deep scientific knowledge and an unyielding sense of purpose—the team has transformed what a municipal police force can be. In May 2025, a Ministry of Interior survey named Ierapetra’s Municipal Police the best in Greece, recognizing years of collective, targeted effort.
From Enforcement to Education
Working with minimal staff but extraordinary dedication, the team operates “out of the box.” Their duties extend far beyond bureaucracy: they save animals, educate students, and link animal welfare with tourism. In 2024 alone, the service handled 566 animal-related cases—most involving dogs and cats—issued over 100 fines for mistreatment and neglect, and rescued 215 animals from the streets, often in harsh conditions such as during wildfires.
Central to their success is a strong network of veterinarians, volunteers, and animal welfare groups. Their specially trained rescue dog, a symbol of the service’s spirit, has participated in hundreds of missions and is regarded as a frontline “colleague.”
Research and Reputation
The department also gathers and analyzes data to support scientific research on the relationship between animals, humans, and tourism. This academic dimension sets it apart from any other municipal police service in Greece.
Recognizing that animal cruelty damages not only lives but also local reputation, the Ierapetra team launched the groundbreaking campaign “Animal Abuse Harms Crete.” The initiative links kindness to economic sustainability, reminding visitors and residents alike that respect for animals reflects the island’s true character.
Ierapetra has proved that when local governance combines knowledge, sensitivity, and vision, law enforcement can evolve into an instrument of culture, education, and humanity.
