Battery hen cages to be outlawed in the UK by 2012

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Animal welfare campaigners welcomed the commitment as freeing millions of birds from "one of the cruellest of modern farming practices".

Farming Minister Lord Rooker made the announcement at an egg and poultry industry Conference.

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Breakthrough: Battery cages for hens will be banned by 2012

The move is in line with an EU directive, although some countries and poultry producers have argued for a delay in implementing it.

Compassion in World Farming chief executive Philip Lymbery said: "Lord Rooker has made a monumental decision and we cannot praise him enough for an action that will get 20million UK birds out of battery cages every year." • Debby Reynolds, the Government's chief vet, who was criticised over the handling of this year's foot and mouth outbreak, is to take early retirement.

The 55-year-old, chief veterinary officer for four years, said she was "immensely proud" of her achievements but "the time is right for me to move on".