LIMA – A Peruvian lawmaker has joined animal rights activists to try to halt the consumption of barbecued cat at an annual festival.

The activists say at least 100 cats will be eaten at this weekend’s Santa Efigenia religious festival in the town of La Quebrada, south of Lima.

Rep. Juan Urquiza joined activists this year to write the district mayor and Health Minister Midori de Habich and demand a ban on cat-eating under a domestic animal protection law. Activists also claim that dining on felines is a public health danger.

Although de Habich says the practice should be halted, she has taken no action.

La Quebrada residents defend their tradition and say the cats sacrificed are specially bred, with only a handful killed and eaten.