Boxing Day blows were almost exchanged as a traditional hunt brought chaos to a market town.
Thousands of people filled the streets of Bungay to witness the Norfolk and Waveney Harriers parade through the town.
As horses passed with riders holding dogs on leads the Harriers members were greeted by cheers and jeers, with many animal rights protestors in attendance displaying signs and placards.
Tempers flared when around 50 'saboteurs' confronted horse riders passing through St Mary's Street.
Police were forced to intervene and separate some people as they got in each other's faces over their disagreements.
A car hit a dog amid the disruption when the road became blocked - although the dog was okay.
The hunt then gathered in Earsham Street and resumed the interrupted parade.
The wife of one of the horse riders said: "It is a dreadful shame that the saboteurs are doing this. They are scaring the animals which is incredibly dangerous for the horse riders and ultimately are the ones causing the trouble.
"It is not us, we merely are passing through, everything we do is legal and they are causing problems by making allegations about us and swearing, who is that peacefully protesting?"
After the hunt dispersed, crowds of people filled the streets and scuffles broke out between saboteurs and supporters of the town's 50-year-old tradition.
It is not yet clear if there have been any arrests, though police were on hand to separate people, with at least five incidents.
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One person even stole a placard from a protestor, ran down the street with it and was chased by protestors.
An Action Against Animal Cruelty spokesman said: "Absolutely delighted that our anti-hunt attendance grows year on year as more people become aware of the realities of trail hunting.
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"We're pleased that our protest went well despite antagonisation from the hunt support."
The hunt master, Chris McDaniel, of the Waveney and Norfolk Harriers, was approached for comment.
The group were also collecting donations in buckets for East Anglia's Children's Hospices as they paraded through the town.
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