Two suspects are accused of keeping a four-year-old child in a chicken pen.
Douglas Daniel, 76, and Barbara Daniel, 71, allegedly wilfully ill-treated the girl between August and October, 1988 at a property in Glasgow's Parkhead or elsewhere.
Prosecutors state the pair caused her unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
It is claimed they forced the child to stand in the corner for long periods of time, locked her in a chicken pen and locked her in a vehicle for several hours.
Barbara Daniel faces a separate charge of assaulting the girl at the same time and place.
Court papers claim Daniel stamped on the girl's body and struck her on the head and body.
It is further alleged that Daniel struck her head and body with a wooden stick or similar implement and spat on her.
No plea was entered at a hearing in Glasgow Sheriff Court.
A further hearing will take place later this month.
The Daniels, now of Kent, remain on bail for the matter.
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