Florida (USA) - A man (42) is accused of abusing his six-year-old stepson with a dog collar in the US state of Florida.

As CBS News reports, Zachary Perez was taken into custody on Saturday. He is charged with aggravated child abuse.

The incident allegedly occurred on May 8, 2025, when the 42-year-old allegedly punched and kicked the six-year-old boy multiple times, causing numerous bruises.

Perez later allegedly put a dog collar on the boy and pulled him to the ground several times with the leash attached to it.

He is said to have kicked the child in the stomach and hit him with a branch.

According to the police, the abuse went on for two days.

On May 10, police were finally notified and arrested Zachary Perez.

He was then taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he is currently being held without bail.

In court , Perez has so far pleaded not guilty.

The investigation is ongoing.