The RSPCA has seized 21 dogs it claims were living in squalid conditions at a property at Wendouree, north of Ballarat.

RSPCA inspectors from the special investigation unit, and representatives of Ballarat Council, executed two search warrants under the prevention of cruelty to animals act.

Allie Jalbert from the RSPCA said "there were some difficulties at the property" during the raid and "police were in attendance".

Victoria Police said one man was arrested for breaching the peace and an unregistered firearm was seized.

"We have searched the property and found dogs in what the inspectors are describing as squalid living conditions," Ms Jalbert said.

Seventeen adult dogs and four puppies from so-called working breeds, including kelpies and cattle dogs, were seized.

The animals were undergoing veterinary checks and evidence was being gathered with a view to laying charges.

"The conditions, we're alleging, were serious enough to have immediate welfare concerns for the animals," Ms Jalbert said.

"The investigation we're conducting is to see if it meets the definition of a breeding establishment under the Domestic Animals Act: are there 10 or more fertile females where they're breeding puppies for sale."

Owner denies running 'puppy farm'

It is not the first time dogs at this property have come to the attention of the RSPCA.

Investigators were called to the area when a group of dogs associated with the same property were found in a nearby park.

Dog breeder Fiona McCoy told ABC Victoria Statewide Drive that the animals escaped while they were being transported.

She denied suggestions she was running a puppy farm.

"There is a fair amount of thought that goes into breeding these dogs. It's not just a case of I've got a dog, you've got a dog, so we've got puppies," she said.

"It's not a puppy farm as such. People think of it in a very black way."

Ms McCoy said the dogs were seized because her five-week old puppies make "quite a mess" and she had not been up long enough to clean up.

"I hadn't cleaned the area that the puppies were in. I had cleaned it before I went to bed, but these were five-week-old puppies and, like babies, they make a mess.

"That was their big issue. I normally clean out the area three or four times a day because they live in my living room."

Ms McCoy said laptops, a hard drive and files were also taken in the raids.