Urgent Care :: What should I do?

[dianimal]

Last night I went over to my roommate's friend's house and when I went into her bathroom I saw two RES in horrible living environments. Both were about four to five inches and they were inside a ten gallon tank TOGETHER. The water was filled up about an inch, there was no lamp, filter, basking dock, or heater,,

When I told her that her turtles looked sick and that they were in bad living conditions she just asked me if they were going to die and she was like "You know what I feed them? Cat food! And I've had them for four years." I literally spat out my food. I told her she need 10 gallons per inch of each turtle, a heater, proper food, a uva/b lamp, and a filter, plus a dock. She said she'd buy some new stuff but I don't take her as someone who'd care enough to do it.

I told her I'd give her one of my 10 gallon tanks, an old filter for it, some extra turtle food and treats, and all my RES books. I know it's still not the ideal environment but it'll help a little bit for now.

Should I report her right now or wait to see if she'll upgrade her equipment? I wanted to take the turtles with me but I don't have a big enough tank for three turtles. Do you think it would be better if I took the turtles even though I only have two 10s and a 20 gallon? I'd be willing to do what I can. I'll feed them properly, do frequent water changes, take them outside to get some sun for the meantime if I had to.

I have yet to personally see someone I know or in general who keeps their turtle in a healthy and proper environment. It really broke my heart so I want to do all that I can to help them. Help me help them please

[megcornell]

The best thing you can do is try to educate her on the proper care turtles need. Unfortunately we can't raise other people's pets for them.
If she's willing to part with them and you can give them a good home, do so. Maybe you can just foster them until you can find a better home with more resources to offer. But honestly, RES aren't really very high in demand and you'd likely be stuck with the two turtles.