Aquatic turtles including red-eared sliders have specific and substantial welfare needs that are frequently unmet in captive settings.
Aquatic turtle welfare failures are widespread because the animals are sold cheaply and their needs are substantially underestimated. A healthy turtle requires a large, filtered aquarium with adequate swimming depth, basking area, full-spectrum UVB, appropriate temperature gradients, and species-appropriate diet. Most turtles in small tanks with inadequate lighting live in chronic welfare compromise. The sale of small turtles is banned in the US due to salmonella risk to children, reflecting both welfare and public health concerns.