MARDELA SPRINGS, Md. — Maryland State Police say three children endured beatings and were reportedly forced to eat dog feces.

A Wednesday news release says investigators determined the victims lived with 29-year-old Amanda R. Wright and her live-in girlfriend, 25-year-old Besline Joseph.

Police say they were reportedly fed a diet of bread, water, oatmeal, and at times forced to eat dog feces.

An investigation revealed the children, ages 8, 9 and 10, also endured beatings, were assaulted with an electronic control device and that they were reportedly locked in closets and a basement.

Wright and Joseph were charged with three counts each of first-degree child abuse, among other offenses. The relationship between the women and the children was not immediately known.

It’s unclear if either of the women have lawyers.