Mount Eliza, 25 September 2025 — In a decisive move, RSPCA Victoria has seized 35 horses from the Mount Eliza property of disgraced former racehorse trainer Maxine Fraser, following months of mounting community pressure and the release of shocking video evidence.
The large-scale operation was carried out under warrant by RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate, supported by Victoria Police and logistical teams. It follows an earlier raid, first reported by STPL News, where a mare and foal were removed under tight police security at the 550 Moorooduc Highway property.
RSPCA Response
RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker praised the Inspectorate’s work, acknowledging the complexity and scale of the investigation.
“This is a really complex investigation, and the operation today has been large scale and logistically challenging,” Dr Walker said.
“We’d like to assure the community we are doing everything in our power under the legislation regarding this case. Our Inspectorate will not hesitate to take action when we are legally able to do so, and all legal action is guided by evidence and due legal process – not personal opinion and social media posts.”
Inspectors first attended the property in April after reports of underweight horses. Compliance notices under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 were issued, with more than 20 follow-up visits.
On 18 September, the body of a mare was seized for autopsy. The death was later ruled not to be a breach of the Act and is not under investigation.
Haunting Video Sparked Outrage
The seizure comes just days after the Farm Transparency Project released confronting video footage from inside the Mount Eliza property. The images of distressed and neglected horses spread widely online, fuelling public anger and intensifying calls for urgent intervention.
Animal advocates described the footage as a chilling window into conditions long hidden behind closed gates. Campaigners said it added weight to months of community reports and on-the-ground protests.
Community Victory
For the residents and activists who have gathered outside the property every Sunday for more than 22 weeks, today’s outcome is being hailed as a major community victory.
Local advocate Carly Wines, who has been at the forefront of the campaign, said the operation reflected months of persistence.
“This is months of work, blood sweat and tears without sounding too cliché. This is all we wanted. The community have spoken,” Wines said.
She also highlighted the lack of transparency throughout the ordeal:
“We’ve got a number of horses missing at the moment. At times we see three or four come out that we haven’t seen for weeks. It’s really frustrating to not have full transparency over where they are or what happens to them when they go missing. When you think of all the animals that have passed away here in silence and without a face, it’s disgusting to think that it’s been allowed to go on.”
What Happens Next
The 35 horses seized today remain in RSPCA Victoria’s care while the investigation continues. No further details are being released at this stage.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors are the only officers authorised to enforce and prosecute horse welfare cases in the state under POCTAA. In the last financial year, the organisation received nearly 1,200 cruelty reports relating to horses and more than 10,200 animal cruelty reports in total.
Anyone wishing to report animal cruelty can visit the RSPCA Victoria website, or in emergencies, contact Victoria Police.
Well done Jay for all your coverage.
Not before time RSPCA finally bowed down to public pressure after over a decade of reports on this property. What about the emaciated and starving, 6 Irish Wolfhounds and goats are you going to do anything about them not to speak of the many stallions and geldings left in this horror house! Shame on you RSPCA should be deregistered in my book!