I would ask him for the pups back, considering his new situation it may be easier for him to give them up to you now. Or if you are on speaking terms to the new gf talk to her. She may want you to have the dogs. I know some men will fight with you just to be spiteful and show that they still have control over you. If that is the case, it might be less stressful for you to give them up. I would not want to see you put in a situation that would cause you any furthur harm.Good luck.
There are a lot of pups that need a good mommyto take care of them