Once again here's documented proof that some people (term used loosely) should NEVER be allowed to have any kind of pet. It's heartbreaking to see animals not loved or properly cared for, this sounds like a horrible situation for those poor animals. They need to be rescued from such torment! Cousin is also a concern here. Very often when kids abuse animals it leads to bigger behavior problems as they get older. As others have said, family or not these people must be reported to the animal police or some agency that can do something. Those pets are so lucky to have you to care for and about them. Please let us know what happens with them?