Charges anticipated after dogs seized from ‘extremely unsanitary’ house

HALIFAX – Two men are facing charges after 25 dogs were seized from a North Preston house.

On Saturday, the Nova Scotia SPCA, with the assistance of the RCMP, seized the American Staffordshire Terriers from a house on Alfred Drive.

The age range of the dogs is unknown. Jo Anne Landsburg, NS SPCA chief provincial investigator, said about 16 of the animals are puppies.

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

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The dogs will all be seeking veterinary attention and to my knowledge so far, they're all in reasonably good condition," she said.

The SPCA said the house was full of excrement and there was no protection from the heat or cold.

Landsburg said the organization had been talking to the dogs’ owners since June.

She said the dogs were used for breeding but did not comment on why the dogs were being bred.

“It’s still under early investigation at this point and we’ll be furthering our investigation as the time comes on,” she said.

Cst. Hal Foster with the Cole Harbour RCMP said the police were called to assist at the scene.

“We may be asked to come along to assist with what’s going on and actually get hands on involved. We may just be asked to come along to keep the peace,” he said.

Foster said police arrested a 42-year-old man at the house on Alfred Drive. He is facing charges of assault and uttering threats. Police also arrested a 18-year-old man on Lake Major Road; he is facing a charge of assault with a weapon.

The dogs will remain in SPCA custody until the investigation is complete.

Landsburg said charges under the Animal Protection Act are expected to be laid this week.