I agree with you totally. In my area and many others , there is the TNR programs. (trap,, neuter,, return,,) The cats get their left ear clipped slightly so identifiable to authorities that cats are stray, but neutered. If eartipped, they are immediately released from trap. All mine are eartipped. They are protected by law here in my area as well. (when eartipped). I of course do feed all of my strays, and they do not venture far from home. Most come into garage for the night to sleep.(mostly when cold). Some choose hiding spots in outdoor. In summer they prefer to sleep overnight outdoors.
Mickey and Minnie are pretty much absent from my grounds