Bond lowered for dog owner charged in mauling of girl, 9

Detroit — A judge on Friday lowered the bond of the owner of the three dogs who mauled a 9-year-old Detroit girl to death last week, officials said.

Judge Michael Wagner of 36th District Court reduced Pierre Cleveland's bond from $2 million to $20,000 during a probable cause hearing Friday, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said.

Wagner said if Cleveland does post bond, he cannot have any contact with witnesses and cannot posses any animals, according to officials.

Cleveland, 33, is expected to next appear in court Sept. 18 for a preliminary examination hearing. Officials with the prosecutor's office said they will address bond after the hearing is held.

Authorities have charged him with second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and having dangerous animals causing death.

Police said Cleveland's three dogs attacked and killed Emma Hernandez as she and her 13-year-old brother were out for a bike ride at about 4 p.m. Aug. 19 on the 6030 block of Central Avenue in Detroit.

A neighbor threw bricks at the dogs in an attempt to stop them from mauling the girl. 

Emma's father rushed her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez