HUNTERS and protesters clashed today during the Boxing Day hunt.

Every year, the riders of Southdown and Eridge Foxhounds parade through Lewes town centre dressed in full hunting regalia.

The riders claim they are only drag hunting – a practice which is still legal.

But saboteurs and protesters say this is not the case and are instead carrying out “barbaric activities” which see pregnant foxes “torn to shreds”.

Thelma Gibbs, from Brighton Against Foxhunting, met with fellow activists at 10.30am.

She said: “The parade is at about 11.30am and then they ride off at 12.

“We were a peaceful protest and we stood in silence – not reacting to the goading from the pro-hunting supporters.

“There is no justification for it to take place and while it still does, all our wildlife is unsafe.”

High Street in Lewes was shut for several hours due to the event.

Foxing hunting has been illegal in the UK for more than a decade.

Drag hunting is a practice which sees riders hunt the scent of an artificially laid material, along with their hounds.

The event takes place annually and riders meet outside the White Hart in the town centre, as is their tradition.

Onlookers kept an eye out from the sidelines and the event is often marred by scuffles.

In previous years, clashes between hunters, hunt supporters and animal rights activists, have broken out in the street and outside the White Hart pub.

Last year, the protesters accused supporters of violent conduct.

Ms Gibbs added: “They seem to have complete disregard for the law so we got there to show them that their barbaric activities are outdated and not supported.

“Fortunately, we planned well and liaised with the police so it was a lot harder for them to grab our signs and push and shove us.

“We formed our group after attending last year.

“This was made illegal in 2004 but unfortunately they still do kill foxes and some get torn apart by the hounds.”

Lewes is not the only town to host a Boxing Day hunt.

Other riders met in Lincolnshire, Essex and Cumbria.

Riders deny accusations of criminal activity.

Sussex Police were contacted for comment.