ANIMAL activists are up in arms over an annual Peruvian religious festival which culminates in the barbecuing and eating of cats.

Activists say at least 100 cats will be eaten at this weekend's festival of Santa Efigenia in La Quebrada, a town south of Lima.

A Peruvian congressman has now joined the effort try and halt the traditional event which also includes cat racing.

Congressman Juan Urquiza joined activists this year to write the district mayor and Peru's health minister 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.

Health Minister Midori de Habich says the practice should be halted. But 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.

Every year, Peruvians descended from African slaves travel to La Quebrada to celebrate the black saint Santa Efigenia, who was popular among the then Spanish colony's African slaves.

Cat races, a fireworks dance and a night of eating and drinking close out the celebration.