A man who had his 25 dogs seized over the weekend is asking the SPCA for their return.

Makell Cain, 18, of North Preston, N.S. built a shelter in his backyard to house the nine dogs and 16 puppies he and his father own.

He says he’s been working with the SPCA since June when the agency came to investigate.

“I looked at the conditions, and it was a rainstorm so it was wet,” said Cain. “I agree that it wasn't acceptable.”

Cain says he's made improvements to the shelters since then.  The last time the SPCA checked in was on Friday.

Cain says he put up tarps and bought new straw for the dogs. He says he talked with an SPCA investigator that day about what else he needed to do.

“The conversation on the phone went really good, so I wasn't really prepared what happened next,” said Cain.

Cain’s father Warren Cain was charged with assaulting a peace officer and uttering threats as result of the dog seizure on Saturday.

Makell wasn’t home at the time, but has been charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly using his vehicle to block a nearby road.

He says the situation was very emotional.

“I feel like they're taking advantage just because it's North Preston and they have a bad name for pit bulls,” said Makell.

Const. Joanne Landsburg, chief provincial investigator with the Nova Scotia SPCA, says the agency has no problem with dog breeders owning a large number of animals, but they have to be well taken care of.

Makell says he has vet papers stating his dogs are healthy, but the SPCA has pressed charges.

Makell has been breeding dogs for a year as a full-time job. He is appealing the seizure, which will go to an independent board.

“For both sides to present their case, and it will be up to the tribunal hearing what happens with the custody of the dogs,” said Landsburg.

The SPCA says since new laws were enacted on tethering and keeping dogs outside, they have responded to 1,300 calls this year from concerned residents who see dogs they think need assistance.

As the owner of the property, Warren Cain is facing four charges under the Animal Protection Act. The charges relate to failing to provide food, water, shelter and exercise for the animals.

He will appear in court on Nov. 17.

The 25 dogs remain in the care of the SPCA.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie.