New Zealand has a plan to eliminate all stray feral cats living in the wild by 2050 in order to protect biodiversity, as announced by the country’s Minister for the Environment.

In his statements, Minister Tāma Potaka announced the inclusion of feral cats in the globally pioneering Predator-Free 2050 strategy. The initial plans were drawn up a decade ago and sparked strong reactions from animal rights activists.

Feral cats are already being captured and euthanised in certain areas, but for predators on the official list there is a more coordinated approach, the Guardian reports.

It is estimated that more than 2.5 million feral cats roam New Zealand. They can reach up to one metre in length, including their tail, and weigh as much as 7 kilograms.

They have devastated wildlife in many regions, pushing some species to the verge of extinction. They are “cold-blooded killers,” Potaka said, adding that cats will be placed on the same list as mammals such as ferrets, weasels, rats and possums.

Domestic cats, which are not included in the programme, are also considered a serious threat to biodiversity.

The issue has sparked intense debate in a country that loves cats, with one of the highest rates of pet cat ownership in the world and unclear rules regarding their ownership.