The Tourist Police in Heraklio, Crete, imposed a fine of 300 euros on a homeless man for “illegal camping”. Officers confiscated his few belongings including food for strays.

All he was allowed to keep was a bag with basic personal items.

According to cretalive.gr, the police confiscated his belongings, including food he intended for the stray animals he takes care of daily with his own means.

“I don’t care about me, God will take care of me. I’m sad for my animals that I won’t be able to take care of them”, he told the local media.

He said that police informed him that he could receive back the confiscated items, but with the risk of being fined again in the future. Until then, he is forced to sleep on the steps next to Neoria, exposed to the weather.

Regarding the strays, Stelios stressed that he has vaccinated them and provides them with medication for parasites, however, he cannot provide them with microchips, as they remain strays.

Moreover, the man was recently informed by a social worker about two-month support programs, which, however, require being a citizen of Heraklion – which is not the case, as a three-year stay in the municipality is required.