Outdoor cats

I thought this might be an interesting one for Alacrity, as I assume most of us are animal lovers. What do you guys think about cats being allowed to roam free outside?

For me, personally, I am very much against it. I believe that cat owners should install cat runs if they wish to let their cats outside.

I am a wildlife carer and here in Australia cats are a serious threat to our natives. Almost every bird I've had come in due to cat attack has died shortly thereafter, and that's not even touching on those that die prolonged and painful deaths in the bush. All cats hunt, it is natural for them to do so. People who don't believe their cats are hunting are fooling themselves.

Furthermore, it is much safer for a cat to be kept indoors or in an enclosed outdoor area like a cat run. How many cats are run over by cars, abused by humans or attacked by other cats and dogs every year? How many unwanted litters of kittens are born to roaming cats?

Note that I do not hate cats. They are just doing what comes naturally to them. I blame the owners as it is their responsibility to manage their animals. (Also, I am not limiting this to just cats. I believe dogs should be kept confined too. However most dogs are kept in secure backyards and thus present no problem.)

Thoughts?