ORGANISERS have decided to cancel the fox hunt meet which was due for New Year’s Day due to Covid restrictions.

The Essex with Farmers and Union Hunt has said the event, which usually takes place annually in Maldon town, will not be proceeding.

A spokesman said: “After much consideration it has been decided due to the Covid restrictions that the Boxing Day meet at Matching Green and the New Year’s Day Meet at Maldon are to be cancelled.”

The event, which has been running for more than 15 years, has divided opinion.

Earlier this year, animal rights activists were set to protest the meet in the town.

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One unnamed protester said: “It is out of date and has become more dangerous than ever to the public and other animals.”

The union defended the tradition.

A spokesman said: “There have been hundreds of days hunting taking place in Essex since the law regarding fox hunting was changed in February 2005.

“During this time there have been no convictions of people associated with our hunt, nor other registered packs of hounds in Essex, which proves that hunts are complying with the law."