Anti-foxhunting protesters are continuing to demonstrate at hunting meets in mid Essex despite a Government decision to ban the blood sport.

Hunt meet - the Essex and Farmers' Union met for a hunt at Cock Clarks, near Maldon, where they were met by protesters.

The Essex and Farmers Union met for a hunt at the village of Cock Clarks, near Maldon, on Saturday, which attracted 20 protesters.

Maldon police said there was some "friendly banter" between the groups and some chanting of "three months to go" in reference to the Government ban on foxhunting, which could come into force as early as February.

There were about 30 horses and riders taking part in the hunt, which is just one of many Essex and Farmers Union hunts scheduled to take place around the county during the next few months.

Mervyn Clarke, secretary of the Essex and Farmers Union, said the protesters at the hunt on Saturday were "ill-behaved and showed scant regard for the welfare of animals" by blocking the road when a vet was trying to reach an unwell horse.

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Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

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