A puppy farm where dogs were kept in an underground bunker in sordid conditions has been shut down and the owner ordered to pay more than $30,000.

The farm was operating just outside the Wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin, in South Doodlakine.

Katherine Lisa King, 43, was today found guilty of three counts of animal cruelty.

RSPCA inspectors, police and rangers searched King's property in 2012.

They found 50 dogs, 12 of which were being kept in a dank room three metres underground, which could only be accessed through a small hole covered by a metal lid.

The dogs were living in total darkness and with little or no ventilation, according to the RSPCA.

The breeds included German shepherds, West Highland terriers, King Charles cavalier spaniels, labradors and Tibetan terriers.

Many of the dogs were found to be suffering from ear mite and secondary infections.

King also had a miniature pony stallion and six or more chickens on the property.

The court prohibited Ms King from being in charge of or being within 10 metres of any animal.

Ms King was also found to be in breach of an earlier order which prohibited her from being in charge of, or having contact with any animal for a period of 10 years from August 2004 onwards.

The RSPCA's Tim Mayne said it was a significant outcome.

"These animals were left in cruel conditions, the magistrate described it as an alien and terrible environment," he said.

"Particularly the 12 dogs that were found in the underground bunker."

The association urged buyers to find out where their new pet has come from, referring people to their Smart Puppy and Dog Buyer’s Guide on how to best go about finding a new pet.