Doesn't sound normal to me at all! Borders to me around cruelty. The SPCA here still does put down animals But if they didn't, I'm sure it would be like that here, too. Each cat gets their own cage and it's a pretty good size. The situation you describe is sad. If they can't do it properly, shouldn't be doing it at all. Maybe you can let the powers that be know how bad it is and maybe that awareness will provide funding?