Italy and Feral Cats

"According to Dr. Enrico Moriconi, president of the newly formed Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, Italy is a world leader in animal rights law. Since 1991 it has been illegal to kill healthy dogs and cats living in shelters." and "Because of their job keeping rodents at bay, cats are given the status of free citizens in Italy. In terms of Italian law, this means that government-run shelters are responsible for spaying and neutering cats (and dogs), but then allow them to go free to fend for themselves."