Help: Cousin neglecting turtles in our basement

My cousin has been neglecting two yellow-bellied slider turtles in our basement for over a year. There’s no UV light, no heater, no filter, and no basking area, which is essential for their health. They’re forced to swim 24/7 because there’s nothing for them to rest on. My uncle and I added a piece of driftwood, but it’s not enough.

I’ve offered to buy proper supplies, but my cousin refuses to use them. He even has ridiculous plans of breeding or selling them for an unreasonable price. My cousin is very resistant to giving them up, despite everyone, including my grandma, acknowledging he’s not taking care of them properly. My cousin also believes my uncle, who claims turtles don’t need UV lights or heaters, even though I’ve shown him that basic care guides say otherwise. He also claims he can’t afford the supplies because of his $30 monthly internet bill.

I’ve even suggested rehoming them with his sister, who takes great care of her animals, but my cousin cried and refused. Is there anything I can do for these turtles? He won’t agree to take better care of them, sell them, or give them away.

Tldr: My cousin has two turtles living in our basement with none of the basic essentials they need. He won’t improve their care or rehome them. I don’t know what else to do.

That is blatant animal abuse. Something needs to be done.

Ren said:
That is blatant animal abuse. Something needs to be done.

He’s had many chances to do better but is actively choosing not to. This is straight-up animal abuse.

Your cousin sucks. If he can’t take care of his pets, he shouldn’t have any.

Terry said:
Your cousin sucks. If he can’t take care of his pets, he shouldn’t have any.

I agree, but he doesn’t care.

Zyan said:

Terry said:
Your cousin sucks. If he can’t take care of his pets, he shouldn’t have any.

I agree, but he doesn’t care.

TAKE THEM AWAY! They deserve better.

Zyan said:

Terry said:
Your cousin sucks. If he can’t take care of his pets, he shouldn’t have any.

I agree, but he doesn’t care.

You should just set up the UV light and heater yourself. Be proactive for the turtles.

@Ari
It’s not my house, it’s my grandma’s. I’m trying to convince her, but I don’t have much authority.

Zyan said:
@Ari
It’s not my house, it’s my grandma’s. I’m trying to convince her, but I don’t have much authority.

Why would your grandma care if you added proper equipment?

I would report this as animal cruelty.

Han said:
I would report this as animal cruelty.

How do I do that?

Zyan said:

Han said:
I would report this as animal cruelty.

How do I do that?

Call your local animal control or humane society.

Document the conditions with photos and videos. If I were you, I’d remove the turtles and rehome them.

Williamson said:
Document the conditions with photos and videos. If I were you, I’d remove the turtles and rehome them.

That’s what I’m planning to do. I just need a strategy.