A disturbing case out of Wisconsin is drawing widespread outrage after authorities say six young children were subjected to years of extreme abuse, neglect, and starvation inside their own home.

A husband and wife, identified as Casey Cano, 38, and Mary Cano, 35, are now facing a long list of serious charges after investigators uncovered what prosecutors describe as prolonged and severe mistreatment of their children. The case details allegations that span several years and paint a deeply troubling picture.

According to criminal complaints, the couple is accused of withholding food for days at a time, forcing their children—who ranged in age from 1 to 9 years old—to resort to eating dog food, mold, grass, and even bugs just to survive. Authorities say the deprivation was often used as punishment, leaving the children desperate for anything they could find.

The allegations don’t stop there.

Investigators say the children were also subjected to repeated physical abuse, including beatings with a belt that were so severe they caused welts and broken skin. In one particularly troubling claim, a child was allegedly forced to remain in the same diaper for days, adding to the already unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Authorities believe the abuse began when some of the children were as young as a few months old, indicating a pattern that lasted for years.

Court documents suggest that Casey Cano was the primary aggressor, while Mary Cano is accused of failing to intervene, leading to charges that include a “party to a crime” designation.

Both parents now face multiple counts of child abuse and neglect, including allegations of causing great bodily harm and exposing a child to inappropriate conduct.

Adding to the shock of the case is the couple’s prior criminal history. Authorities confirmed that both had previously been charged in a separate child abuse case in 2022, raising serious questions about how the situation was allowed to continue.

The investigation into the latest allegations began in December, and both suspects were arrested in March. They have since posted bond, and the case is moving through the legal system.

For many, the case is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable children can be when abuse goes undetected. Community members and advocates say the allegations highlight the importance of early intervention, reporting concerns, and protecting at-risk children.

As the case unfolds, prosecutors are expected to present more details about the conditions the children endured—and how such prolonged suffering went unnoticed for so long.

At its core, the case underscores a painful reality: when basic needs like food, safety, and care are denied, the consequences can be devastating—and long-lasting.