RCMP say two men are facing charges after a confrontation with police and SPCA investigators during the seizure of 25 American Staffordshire Terriers in North Preston, N.S.

Police say a 42-year-old man is facing charges of assault of a SPCA employee and uttering threats to police.

They say an 18-year-old man was arrested on Lake Major Road and faces charges of assault with a weapon after he used the vehicle he was driving to block the road, and an SPCA vehicle. 

“Four of our investigators went out along with assistance from the RCMP, and we managed to seize from the property 25 dogs,” said Cst. Joanne Landsburg, chief provincial investigator with the Nova Scotia SPCA.

The 18-year-old has been released and will appear in court at a later date. The 42-year-old man is still in custody and will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on Monday.

Their names have not been released.

Landsburg says the agency had been aware of problems at the property for months.

“It wasn't just a call that came in yesterday,” she said. “We had actually been working with the owners for some time, and we weren't able to bring them up to compliance so we had to step in.”

The SPCA says the dogs were living in an outdoor shelter and there were concerns for their health.

“They were living in unsanitary conditions and they didn't have protection from the heat or the cold,” said Landsburg.

Sixteen of the dogs were puppies. All the dogs will see a vet in the coming days.

“The dogs will all be seeking veterinary attention, and to my knowledge so far they are all in reasonably good condition,” said Landsburg.

This is not the largest animal seizure the Nova Scotia SPCA has made, but officials say it does put a strain on the shelter to have 25 animals come in at once.

All the dogs will remain in the care of the SPCA as the investigation continues. They hope the dogs will eventually be adopted to good homes.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie.