[Omah]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-16353066

An EU ban on battery cages comes in to effect on 1 January 2012

A chicken - being described as "Britain's last battery hen" - is to be given a new home in Devon later.

The hen, named Liberty, is being re-housed in time for the EU-wide ban on small, cramped cages.

From 1 January, cages will have to provide enough space for birds to spread their wings, perch and be able to move around.

But the British Hen Welfare Trust said not all EU countries would adhere to the ban.

The ban was brought about after animal welfare campaigners fought for four decades to outlaw battery cages.

Jane Howarth, from the British Hen Welfare Trust, said over December volunteers had re-housed 6,000 battery hens, with just one more to be rehomed.

She said: "She will be sitting in her cage very unaware that we're going to arrive and bring her out. We are looking forward to getting her. She will be living with me."

A chicken for Xmas ..... and not on a plate .....

The end of "battery cages" is long overdue and very welcome .....