Click on the stories to learn the facts, fiction and history of the controversial activity. The answer is more than just a few men and women on horses with lots of hounds. The crux of the debate is, for many people, cruelty.
Supporters say hunting is kinder than the alternatives.
Opponents say hunting causes suffering. The servants of the hunt and the tradesmen and women who depend on it to make their living feel scared, angered and betrayed. Straw rounds off Middle East talks Jowell praises New York firefighters 'Embassy attack' suspects quizzed Blair to meet Muslim leaders Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page.