Rap-Cat in trouble with "THE MAN".

The Rap-Cat Website HERE.

TAMPA– Some local animal control workers have a beef with a popular fast food chain. They say Tampa-based Checkers Restaurants is encouraging customers to stick cats inside paper bags. While it's supposed to be part of a humorous ad campaign, some people aren't laughing.

All the controversy started with a commercial, and it turned into something weird on the internet. People began shooting videos of their cats wearing the Checkers paper bags, which led the restaurant to start a "cat-in-a-bag" contest.

The company printed instructions on the side of their hamburger bags so customers would know how to make the bags into attire for their felines.

The bags instructed customers to cut holes for the paws and tail, push the cat in backwards, and then take a picture for their restaurant's website. It does include a disclaimer advising people not to harm or endanger any cats, but Animal Services employees say there's no safe way to put a cat into a paper bag.

"If you are knowingly trying to put a domestic cat into a paper bag, it's patently ridiculous," said Marti Ryan of Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Experts say it's also dangerous. Some cats get so upset during the process, they could hurt someone. Even trained handlers have trouble putting some cats in places they don't want to go.

Animal workers claim the contest has led to cat abuse, meaning they could arrest the animals' owners, and even go after Checkers.

"I'm told the county attorney may seek an injunction," said Ryan.

Managers at Checkers' headquarters would not talk on camera, but they issued a statement. It reads:

"We received dozens of letters...requesting Rap Cat merchandise...our new Web site...and carry-out bags are...intended only as a creative extension of our television campaign."

That does not address the county's concerns.

"At issue here is the idea that you're asking a pet to do something against its will and forcing it into a bag," said Ryan.

That's why the county may challenge Checkers to a cat fight in court.