Police were called to an alleged fox hunt in Friday Woods, Colchester.
A Berechurch resident called officers after spotting about 10 riders and about 30 hounds racing through the woods at noon on Wednesday.
The caller claimed they had heard someone shout: "The fox went this way."
The Hunting Act 2004, which came into force in February 2005, makes it an offence to hunt a wild mammal with a dog.
Under the legislation, hunting foxes with dogs is illegal, but hounds can be used to follow a pre-laid scent.
The man said that the hunt may have disturbed a fox en route, but insisted they were carrying out a legal drag hunt only.
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