It would be alright bringing all these codes of practice etc if there was a GOOD governing body to enforce it, anyone other than the RSPCA. Why should it be policed by what is ultimately a "charity" and basically public money is then used to pay solicitors and court costs for cases, which they will only take to court if they think they have a chance of winning which is usually against honest pet owners rather than the backstreet breeders and others who have the devious means and illegal ways of avoiding prosecution.
I am sure if the RSPCA turned up at my door they would consider me either a cat hoarder or a badly run rescue. They do not look at the whole picture and the fact that I have this many cats because they refuse to take them in this area and I am operating on my income alone whilst they are paying people to go door to door pleading for money. They even had one of their "chuggers" call here and she thought that I would "definitely give a donation because you care so much for animals" I told her in no uncertain terms that my money goes on my rescue and I did not have a penny to give to them. She was most insulted that I would not even give £3 a month.
Sorry, having a bit of a rant, but it is just the nanny state thinking it can make some money by fining pet owners now. They obviously realise with the credit crunch that pet owners may struggle a bit and are, therefore, a vulnerable lot who can now be fined for not having the appropriate number of litter trays or a scratching post.
The real people causing animal cruelty and running puppy and kitten farms will carry on as normal because they don't care.