Turtles and tortoises are among the most mistreated pets due to misunderstandings about their needs. Many live for decades in inappropriate conditions causing chronic welfare harm.
Pet turtle and tortoise welfare is chronically poor in the mainstream pet market. The classic small plastic tank with a basking platform sold with red-eared sliders is entirely inadequate for the animal's needs - providing no proper UV lighting, insufficient water volume, and no hibernation capability. Turtles deprived of UVB develop metabolic bone disease: soft shells, deformed limbs, and systemic illness. Aquatic turtles in dirty water develop shell rot and respiratory infections. Tortoises sold as 'small' species that grow to massive sizes are frequently abandoned when their true size becomes apparent - sulcata tortoises are among the most commonly surrendered reptiles, having outgrown their owners' capacity to care for them. Thorough research before acquisition is essential for species that may outlive their owners.