Police seek evidence of dogs' violent history

"We're just sitting here trying to gather all the facts," he said. His office is working with police as well as animal care and control officials. Hallinan has also sent office personnel to other parts of California to gather information about the people and animals involved in this case.

Prosecutors have not charged dog owners Robert Noel or his wife Marjorie Knoller with any crimes. But Hallinan acknowledged that his office is taking a close look at California law regarding dogs trained to fight, attack or kill.

Noel and Knoller could face manslaughter charges in Whipple's death, if they are found guilty of negligence under that law, Hallinan said.

Noel did not return repeated calls placed by The Associated Press seeking comment.

But police have received several calls since the incident, saying the dogs had a history of viciousness. They are investigating complaints the dogs bit other people and attacked other animals, including prior contact with Whipple.

Friends and colleagues say the victim showed them her hand after one of the dogs bit her a few weeks before the fatal attack, said San Francisco Police Lt. Henry Hunter.

The dogs that attacked Whipple were a Mastiff-Canary Island mix. They were part of a group of dogs raised for fighting contests and guarding methamphetamine labs, according to state prison officials.

Pelican Bay State Prison inmates Paul John Schneider and Dale Bretches were found to have organized the dog ring from behind bars. Bretches contacted an Ontario, Canada, dog breeder more than a year ago looking to acquire purebred Canary Island dogs, or Presa Canario, known in Spain for their imposing size and fighting prowess.

Angelika Morwald, owner of WereWolf Kennels, said she received a three-page letter from Bretches in 1999 inquiring about buying some dogs for breeding. She refused to do business with him because he was incarcerated at the time.

"How is he going to care for an animal I love?" Morwald said. "This is exactly the kind of people we try to avoid selling to."

She said she did not respond to Bretches' letter and never sent him any material about the dogs, which she sells for between $1,250 and $2,000 per puppy.

Despite the Presa Canario's intimidating appearance, Morwald says they must be trained to attack in the manner that Noel's dog attacked Whipple.

"My belief is that that dog was trained at some point to do that," she said.

A memorial service for Whipple, a popular lacrosse coach at St. Mary's College in Moraga, was set for Thursday.