My niece is a vet and the common practice is to first scan for a microchip, then determine if the cat is an abandoned or feral. The abandoned is almost always neutered and/or declawed.
As for the ferals, they're neutered and released into the wild if it's apparent they can't be domesticated by first being placed into a foster home........
This gal who would attempt to shoot a cat with a bow and arrow has no business being a veterinarian........