Euthanasia eyed as R.I. feral cat solution

PROVIDENCE, R.I., March 1 (UPI) -- Rhode Island state veterinarian Scott Marshall says euthanasia may be the best response to threats posed by the state's feral cat population.

Marshall said since feral cats can potentially spread diseases such as rabies and feline HIV to humans and other animals, one way to limit such risks are to have the cats rounded up and put to death, The Providence (R.I.) Journal said Monday.

"I just don't see another solution to it. The solutions we have tried are ineffective," Marshall said.

Yet Defenders of Animals Director Dennis Tabella insists the feral cat plan would likely pose a risk to domestic cats allowed outdoors.

"If this becomes law, your neighbor will be able to take your cat and turn it over to a shelter, where your cat is likely to be euthanized," Tabella suggests.

The Journal said a bill drafted by Marshall was previously introduced in Rhode Island by State Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., who now says he is prepared to withdraw the measure.

"I put them in and now I am starting to get some calls and complaints… Shame on me for not reading them," Tassoni said of the bill and other animal-related bills he introduced.