Wisconsin Couple Kept Children In Cages: Police

WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin couple accused of keeping three children, ages 10-12, in cages face multiple counts of child neglect, police said. The couple, Travis Headrick, 46, and Amy Headrick, 39, are accused of caging the children at their home in Melvina, according to media reports.

Investigators conducted a search of the couple's home, and found a 10-year-old boy in a horse trough, an 11-year-old boy locked in a double-stacked cage and a 12-year-old girl in a room that could be unlocked only from the hallway, the LaCrosse Tribune reported.

According to police reports, a babysitter who was questioned told police that routine confinement in cages was part of the children's daily schedule.

When police questioned Amy Headrick about the cages, she said, according to the police report: "I don't consider it a cage. It's more of a glorified crib." Travis Headrick reportedly told officers that the children were "cognitively disabled" and that the cages were for their protection.

According to a WISN report, bond for each was set at $20,000 Monday. Their next court appearance was scheduled for Sept. 6.

Monroe County Sheriff Photos