UK: Rebellion over Government's rules on pets 20.dec.08 Telegraph.co.uk Jasper Copping The recommendations – including "cat-proofing" windows and balconies to prevent falls, having at least one litter tray per cat, and guaranteeing that dogs wear collars and identity tags in public places – were announced in November. Now, angry animal experts and pet owners believe that the rules risk criminalizing responsible animal lovers. Dog owners fear that they could be prosecuted for leaving their animals alone in a car for even just a few moments, or for not grooming their pets often enough. Cat owners have expressed concern that they could face action for having only one litter tray when they own two cats. Shooters and gamekeepers are worried that they could be prosecuted for not putting collars on their gundogs, which would put the animals at risk of serious injury should they become snared on branches and undergrowth. Three separate codes of practice – on dogs, cats and horses – have been drawn up to outline how people should meet their responsibilities under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act. While breaching the codes will not in itself be a crime, Defra has warned that breaches could prove the deciding factor in whether an individual is prosecuted for animal cruelty. Those convicted face fines of up to £20,000 or 12 months in prison.