zero tolerance: after natalie herron, we demand an attack plan against global animal cruel

Preamble and Findings

WHEREAS Natalie Herron was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment for distributing and possessing publications related to the extreme torture of macaques, confirming her direct link to a global criminal enterprise.

WHEREAS Police Scotland investigators characterized this material as disturbing and graphic, underscoring the severity of the moral and ethical failure involved in its creation and consumption.

WHEREAS this conviction sets a critical legal precedent in Scotland by addressing cruelty that originated outside the jurisdiction, highlighting the transnational nature of digital animal abuse.

WHEREAS the proven nexus between those involved in animal cruelty and violence against people elevates this issue from a mere welfare concern to a matter of paramount public security.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT ASSERTED that the successful prosecution led by Police Scotland, the NWCU, and the NCA must be the catalyst for a total government overhaul in strategy against this vile criminality.

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Scottish Government must allocate sustained and increased specialized resources to Police Scotland to establish robust digital units capable of penetrating and dismantling encrypted animal torture networks.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the COPFS must adopt and implement an unconditional zero-tolerance prosecution strategy, ensuring maximum legal penalties are consistently sought for all individuals convicted of participating in the possession or distribution of such material.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a mandatory review of all current legal frameworks must be undertaken to ensure they facilitate the rapid arrest and swift prosecution of offenders regardless of where the cruelty originated.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT immediate and comprehensive public education campaigns must be launched to highlight the severe criminality and societal damage of engaging with animal torture content, thereby establishing a firm societal deterrent.