Is this a vet you knew? That seems a bit harsh. I know they're under obligation to report certain things, but, I would think in this case they could have considered it basically an anonymous drop off since the kitty was PTS. The citation just seems too much. Your story prompted me to look up what I could for Maryland law and it appears we have more leniency in that regard. There was something passed in 2007 which allows for the feeding of feral cats without penalty or "ownership".

In any case, thank you for attempting to do the right thing, and I am sorry for the loss of OC.