(CNN) A mother and her boyfriend were arrested after police responding to a domestic disturbance call in Texas found four malnourished children in a home -- two of them locked in a dog crate, authorities said.

Police discovered the children Tuesday in clutter and filth, with two in a crate placed in a barn converted into living space, Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin said.

The three boys and one girl range in age from 1 to 5, and didn't say much when police arrived at the home near Rhome, authorities said. They were hungry and thirsty, and covered in feces, Akin said.

CNN affiliate KTVT reported that the two oldest children, ages 5 and 4, were the ones locked in dog crates.

"Our deputies and our lieutenant fed and gave water to those children. And due to the malnourishment and other concerns, EMS was called; emergency medical was called," Akin said.

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