MEET OUR HORSE MEAT
LEARN ABOUT THE GREEDY HORSE-KILLING TRADE FOR HUMAN & PET CONSUMPTION & HOW YOU CAN HELP HORSES ESCAPE THIS VICIOUS FATE DONATE35 HORSES FINALLY SEIZED
Police and the RSPCA finally executed a warrant at the Mt Eliza property of disgraced former thoroughbred horse trainer Maxine Fraser, seizing 35 horses.
For some, the rescue came far too late.
Just last week, investigators discovered the decomposing remains of a foal and her mother — a sickening reminder of what happens when authorities and the racing industry turn a blind eye. 💔
Let’s be clear: this did NOT happen because Racing Victoria or the RSPCA of Victoria “did their job.”
Peaceful Protest for Mt Eliza Horses campaigners.
It happened because ordinary people refused to be silent.
The RSPCA took far too long to act — and that delay cost animals their lives and others to suffer. They must be held accountable, just as Maxine Fraser must.
Fraser’s cruelty is not an isolated case.
Maxine Fraser once held a Racing Victoria license, and despite repeated concerns about her conduct and character, she was allowed to continue in the industry until her licence was eventually revoked.
Even then, she was left free to keep dozens of animals, unchecked, until starvation and death exposed the horror on her property.
Racing Victoria must answer for enabling people like Fraser and then washing their hands of responsibility once the industry was done with their wrongdoings and horses in their so called care.
The truth is, these animals didn’t just suffer because of Fraser.
They suffered because of a system built on profit and exploitation — a system that parades racehorses for gambling profit while discarding them as ‘wastage‘ to be neglected and suffer cruelty and often to be slaughtered once they’re no longer considered to have any significant value.
Racing Victoria and the RSPCA both failed these horses.
This rescue was only possible because of community action.
We thank Farm Transparency Project, Carly Wines and the tireless volunteers she organized who protested week after week outside Fraser’s property, the Peaceful Protest for Mt Eliza Horses campaigners — and the neighbours, whistleblowers, and countless others who contacted the RSPCA, government officials, and the press.
Without this relentless public pressure, those horses would still be suffering in silence.
But this fight is far from over.
It’s been confirmed that at least 17 horses (stallions & geldings), goats and dogs remain on the property. Yes, really!
Fraser has yet to face charges.
Racing Victoria and the RSPCA have yet to take responsibility.
👉 We must keep the pressure on.
Keep protesting.
Keep writing.
Keep speaking out.
(See the CALL TO ACTION BELOW.)
Justice for these animals will only come when Fraser is held accountable, when Racing Victoria is exposed for its complicity, and when the RSPCA of Victoria is forced to answer for its serious delay in taking action.
Until then, the system will continue to fail the very animals it claims to protect — unless we refuse to back down.
MOUNT ELIZA HORSE CRUELTY CASE SPARKS OUTRAGE
In May 2025, along Victoria’s scenic Moorooduc Highway in Mount Eliza, community members made a heartbreaking discovery: seven skeletal thoroughbred broodmares, standing quietly in their paddocks — starving, neglected, and waiting for help that never came.
Photo credit Alice Hodges who writes July 18, 2025: This mare should never have been allowed to become pregnant. This photo will support my complaint lodged yesterday to DEECA for lack of feed, neglect and unacceptable animal husbandry and treatment of horses [by Maxine Fraser].
The horses are owned by Maxine Fraser, also known as Maxine Galpin, a former licensed thoroughbred trainer whose registration was revoked by Racing Victoria due to serious concerns about her conduct and character.
Locals and advocates fear these are just seven of as many as 30 horses languishing under her care — and are demanding to know: Why haven’t the horses been seized? Who is protecting them?
Maxine Fraser. Photo credit unknown.
ACCORDING TO THE HERALD SUN…
Racing Victoria conducted seven visits to her [Maxine Fraser’s] 28-acre Moorooduc Highway property between 2011 and 2013 and found “significant hazards to humans and horses existed”.
Conditions were placed on her licence but further inspections found issues were not addressed and further, the horses were “malnourished” and had to “compete for access to adequate water and feed”.
In July 2016, a partial site visit – because Ms Fraser refused to give access to the whole property – inspectors found the stables “dilapidated” and a “stench of faeces and urine so unpleasant and so strong” it could be smelt from the road.
RSPCA VICTORIA’S HANDS ARE TIED – OR ARE THEY?
Dr. Liz Walker, CEO of RSPCA Victoria, has spoken plainly, issuing a dire warning:
“We are absolutely at risk of not being able to deliver services across the board for large animals. If the state government doesn’t step up, investigations involving horses, poultry and livestock may need to be restricted.”
FUNDING SHORTFALL THREATENS EQUINE WELFARE STATEWIDE
RSPCA Victoria receives just $2.3 million annually from the Victorian government — covering only 20% of its $10.8 million projected operating costs for 2025.
This financial gap is now threatening the very foundation of animal welfare enforcement in Victoria:
- In 2024–2025, the RSPCA handled 10,000+ cruelty complaints
- Over 800 involved horses — a 50% increase year-on-year
Without urgent state investment, the RSPCA may stop investigating horse cruelty cases altogether — leaving a legal and enforcement vacuum in their place.
MOUNT ELIZA HORSES — BEING LEFT TO STARVE?
Despite public outcry, images, and multiple cruelty reports, RSPCA Victoria has not removed the horses from the property.
Instead, the RSPCA Victoria has entered into what’s known as a “management care agreement” (MCP) with the owner — a non-binding, confidential arrangement that allows the animals to remain under the control of the person accused of neglect, with an expectation of voluntary improvement over time.
We say this model fails to protect animals who need urgent, independent intervention – and of course the public is furious.
HOW LONG DOES MAXINE FRASER HAVE TO COMPLY?
Unfortunately, this part is not transparent.
The RSPCA rarely discloses:
- The exact terms of an MCP
- The duration
- What constitutes a breach
- What happens if the conditions worsen in the meantime
TYPICALLY…
- These plans run 30–90 days depending on severity.
- If not complied with, the RSPCA can apply for a seizure order or lay animal cruelty charges.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MAXINE FRASER DOES NOT COMPLY?
If Ms. Fraser fails to meet any part of the care plan:
- Reassessment: RSPCA can revisit the case and document non-compliance.
- Escalation: They may move to: Seize the animals legally.
- File charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).
Public scrutiny: Media or public pressure often speeds up reassessment — which is why writing and protesting now matters.
RSPCA ‘ARRANGEMENT’ IS BEYOND CONCERNING
This management care arrangement entered into by RSPCA Victoria has sparked widespread concern and frustration.
We argue that:
The horses remain at risk under the supervision of someone already known for neglect.
The RSPCA’s reliance on voluntary compliance allows ongoing suffering.
The public is being left in the dark about enforcement and follow-up, raising questions of transparency and accountability.
RSPCA Victoria receives significant public funding, yet appears unwilling or unable to act decisively in this case.
Even more concerning, insiders suggest the RSPCA may cease involvement in horse welfare investigations altogether, citing resource challenges.
WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE?
Stronger legal powers for timely seizure of animals in distress — without requiring prolonged “management plans.”
Greater transparency from RSPCA Victoria regarding their processes and decisions.
Clear public reporting on outcomes in cruelty investigations.
Dedicated equine welfare teams and funding to ensure horses are not left behind.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOU CAN INFLUENCE CHANGE.
DON’T LET THESE HORSES BE FORGOTTEN.
WHO TO CONTACT.
1. RSPCA Victoria
CEO Dr Liz Walker info@rspcavic.org.au
📞 (03) 9224 2222
Request transparency on the Mount Eliza case: how long the management agreement runs, what constitutes breach, what safeguards are in place.
Demand public reporting of timeframes and case progress.
2. The Hon. Ros Spence MP – Minister for Agriculture
ros.spence@parliament.vic.gov.au
Your local MP – Find them here.
Call for increased funding to RSPCA Victoria and consider legislative reform to expand seizure powers for horse cruelty cases.
3. Premier Jacinta Allan MP
jacinta.allan@parliament.vic.gov.au
Urge prioritizing horse welfare in the upcoming state budget; reinforce RSPCA’s mandate.
4. Georgie Purcell MP, Animal Justice Party
georgie.purcell@parliament.vic.gov.au
Ask her to raise this in Parliament and support reforms for stronger animal welfare law enforcement.
AN OPEN LETTER TO COPY & PASTE TO EACH OF THE ABOVE
Subject: Demand for Transparency and Stronger Legal Protections in Mount Eliza Horse Cruelty Case
Date: [Insert Date]
Dear Premier Allan, Minister Spence, MP Purcell, and RSPCA Victoria Leadership,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the ongoing situation involving the severe neglect of horses on a Mount Eliza property, reportedly owned by Maxine Fraser (also known as Maxine Galpin), a former licensed thoroughbred trainer.
In May 2025, images and witness reports confirmed the presence of emaciated, suffering horses, prompting public outrage and calls for action. Despite the clear and prolonged signs of neglect, RSPCA Victoria has not removed the animals, citing a “management care agreement” entered into with the owner.
This response has been deeply inadequate. It does not reflect the urgency or severity of the situation. It also raises troubling questions about transparency, enforcement capabilities, and the future of equine cruelty investigations in Victoria.
I respectfully urge you to take immediate action by:
1. Strengthening Legal Seizure Powers
Ensure that RSPCA Victoria — and other authorised officers — have the clear legal authority to seize animals without delay in cases of severe cruelty or neglect, even if the owner agrees to a voluntary care plan.
2. Increasing Government Funding for Equine Enforcement
Provide dedicated resources and funding for horse-specific cruelty investigations. Victoria’s horses deserve equal protection under the law — resourcing cannot determine whether action is taken.
3. Requiring Transparency Around Management Care Agreements
If such agreements are to continue, they must be made public, reviewed independently, and subject to oversight. The public must have confidence that these are not being used to sidestep enforcement or shield abusers.
4. Implementing Independent Oversight of Serious Cruelty Cases
Establish a public, independent mechanism to monitor the most serious cases of animal cruelty, ensuring accountability from all parties involved — including the RSPCA.
We know most animal protection staff and officers work tirelessly, often in challenging conditions. But in this case, a deeply flawed system has left vulnerable animals suffering. That cannot continue.
I join many others across Victoria in calling for legislative, financial, and structural reform. Please show leadership on this issue. The community is watching — and this issue is gaining international attention as well.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email or City/Suburb]
[Optional: Phone number]
DON’T LET THESE HORSES BE FORGOTTEN
Whether you’re a horse lover, an animal advocate, or simply someone who believes in justice — your voice matters. The situation at Mount Eliza represents a much bigger problem. It’s time for reform.
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RECENT PRESS
The rotting carcass of a deceased horse has allegedly been found on the property of a former racing trainer already at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation.
Ex-trainer Maxine Fraser is the subject of an RSPCA probe over the alleged neglect of 30 horses at her property at Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula.
A community-led animal welfare group has been protesting at the property weekly with hopes of action to save the horses.
The carcass of a horse was allegedly discovered by the group at Ms Fraser’s stables just weeks ago.
The horse’s entire rib cage and insides were visible as it lay dead on the Mt Eliza property.
Carly Wines, who is leading the protest group, claims the horse had been laying dead at for at least three weeks.
“These photos are horrific,” she said.
“The pungent stench became apparent on June 26. This poor boy has suffered and died unnecessarily. This was preventable.
A huge stoush has erupted between animal lovers and the RSPCA over the alleged neglect of 30 horses on the Mornington Peninsula.
Locals say they have been reporting horses being starved and mistreated to the animal welfare charity since 2017 but without any action being taken.
Carly Wines, who is leading the group, is vowing to protest at the residential property in Mount Eliza until the horses are seized saying the animals are “fighting to survive”.
The stallions, mares and geldings are owned by former trainer Maxine Fraser, who had her racing licence stripped in 2017.
Racing Victoria conducted seven visits to her 28-acre Moorooduc Highway property between 2011 and 2013 and found “significant hazards to humans and horses existed”.
Conditions were placed on her licence but further inspections found issues were not addressed and further, the horses were “malnourished” and had to “compete for access to adequate water and feed”.
In July 2016, a partial site visit – because Ms Fraser refused to give access to the whole property – inspectors found the stables “dilapidated” and a “stench of faeces and urine so unpleasant and so strong” it could be smelt from the road.
“We’ve had enough,” Ms Wines said.
“We’re frustrated and keep reporting to RSPCA but nothing is ever done.
JOIN THE FIGHT TO PROTECT HORSES
1. Tell the Prime Minister and your MP to end the cruel, unnecessary slaughter of horses in Australia.
Additionally, urge them to enforce existing regulations in the horse racing industry and demand better protections for all horses — on and off the track.
2. Join the movement on social media.
Follow us, share the truth, and help expose the dark reality behind the horse slaughter and horse racing industries and the barbaric slaughtering of Brumbies.
The more people who know, the bigger the impact.
3. Donate to end cruelty.
We are 100% volunteer-run.
We need your support.
Every donation, big or small, helps us fight for horses' lives and shine a light on hidden abuse.
Together we can make a difference.
CURRENTLY TRENDING
Undercover investigations in Australia have shown the horrendous animal welfare conditions in the EU-approved Meramist slaughterhouse.
We know this 2-minute video is hard to watch but we're hoping that not everyone will turn away.
Horses are not specifically bred for meat and are not subject to the same regulations that animals bred to enter the food chain are.
We need to find a way to protect the native animals at risk, without hunting down Brumbies with helicopters, ground shooting or hauling them to be slaughtered at knackeries.
Join us in demanding humane solutions.
