Rhode Island Veterinarian Proposes Euthanasia for Feral Cats

Rhode Island veterinarian Scott Marshall recently drafted a bill that proposed euthanasia as a solution to get the state's population of feral cats under control.The bill, introduced by Senator John Tassoni, Jr. was recently withdrawn after a flurry of criticism from animal rights groups such as Defenders of Animals (DEM). Marshall was quoted as saying, “I’m open to trying other methods...[but] I’m not very optimistic. If this is the only means we have left, it’s a regrettable move, but it’s something we have to take. I know some groups think we are targeting cats, but we are trying to get them on par with roaming dogs." Marshall cited potential health risks to humans from the population of feral cats as the reason for the euthanasia.

What do you think is the best way to control the population of feral cats? Is euthanasia really the only answer?