Hundreds of people - both for and against - gathered to mark what could be the last ever Boxing Day hunt in Maldon.
MPs will have a free vote with three choices in the new year: an outright ban on hunting with dogs; a licencing scheme; no change.
One angry protester was arrested for hurling an egg at huntsmen during the hunt.
Hundreds of people with pro and anti-hunt placards lined the street for the traditional sporting event, with shouts of "evil" and "killers" coming from the eight deep crowds against the Essex Farmers and Union meet.
A 32-year-old Maldon man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and released on police bail as objects were thrown at hunt members.
Countryside Alliance supporters held placards declaring "Hunting works".
The Maldon Hunt in the High Street, right, provoked an angry demonstration from anti-cruelty campaigners, left.
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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