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The parents of a seven-year-old girl allegedly locked her in an outdoor cage for three weeks for punishment - with just a bucket to use for the bathroom.
Jena Harman, the child's mother, and her boyfriend, Alexander Smith, face up to 20 years jail for allegedly caging the child outside their Wyoming, home.
Police said the six-by-five-foot cage was made in June from cattle panelling and wooden snow fence with plywood covering half of the opening.
The child, who is said to have spent most of her time in the cage, was locked in using a metal chain and "dog-leash-style latch".
The Laramie Boomerang reported she had clothing, books, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a five-gallon bucket to use as a toilet.
She was even made to sleep in the cage when it was raining.
Court papers reveal that she ate once a day - unless her mother forgot.
The child claimed the pair had also kicked her and sprayed with a hose.
Police said that Harman released the child from the cage when Smith, a truck driver, was not at the house.
He is believed to have been living nearby in a motorhome.
When not in the cage she allegedly slept on the floor or sofa in the house.
Police arrested Harman and Smith on July 24 following a tip off.
They are charged with one count each of child abuse and three counts each of felonious restraint, according to District Court felony information documents.
If guilty of all four counts,they could each face up to 20 years in prison.
Harman told police she kept the child in the "playpen" because the seven-year-old 'was constantly doing bad things'.
Smith told deputies he disliked the child but wanted to keep the juvenile safe in a cage - and claimed she liked it.
It is thought the Sheriff’s Office began receiving complaints of child abuse and requests for welfare checks in August last year.
Smith and Harman remain in custody on a $100,000 (£59,000) cash bond.
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