New breeding rules have been introduced by the Government for farmers producing game birds. They state that breeding cages must be "enhanced", with shelter, a scratching area and perches.

The revised Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes, published last week, replaced an earlier one, on the grounds that all of it was not based on sound evidence.

The working group that drafted the original code said "barren" cages should not be used to house breeding gamebirds.

This was based on advice from the Farm Animal Welfare Council. Gamebirds reared for sport are currently covered by the Animal Welfare Act which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal.