The RSPCA Victoria has executed a seizure warrant at a Mornington Peninsula property as part of its long-running investigation into the welfare of horses at Mount Eliza and ongoing community pressure.
In a media release issued on Friday, 19 September, RSPCA Victoria confirmed that inspectors executed the warrant the previous day, 18 September, to seize evidence.
“New evidence and information lodged directly to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate, from eyewitnesses, enabled us to take this swift action,” the statement said.
“We remind the public this is the most effective way we can act on concerns.”
The organisation said it was unable to provide further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Reports of animal removal disputed
While some on social media claimed animals had been removed from the property, protest organiser Carly Wines told STPL News that was not the case.
“We’re still here counting horses,” Wines said, noting that her group continues to maintain daily vigils outside the property, as they have for more than five months.
In a post to the Peaceful Protest Mt Eliza Horses Facebook page, Wines expressed frustration at what she described as misinformation being circulated online.
“I can confirm that no animals have left the property at Mt Eliza as incorrectly reported by the same people who have been reporting incorrect information across many posts over the last five months,” Wines wrote.
She stressed that her group takes “extreme levels of caution” to ensure accuracy in their updates because they are on-site daily.
“It’s not about pages or likes or number of members. It’s about the animals that need off that property. That is my one and only concern,” Wines said.
Political support
The Member for Mornington, Chris Crewther, also welcomed the RSPCA’s action, describing it as the result of “hundreds of emails, phone calls, protests, parliamentary speeches, media involvement and more.”
In a Facebook post, Crewther said he hoped the warrant would “soon ensure their guaranteed love and care into the future.”
He also issued a correction after initially stating animals had already been seized, clarifying: “Further information indicates that this was incorrect — hopefully there will be a final resolution soon.”
Focus on the property owner
The Mount Eliza property is owned by Maxine Fraser, who has long been at the centre of community concerns and protest action. Fraser has previously rejected claims of neglect, insisting she cares for her animals and is the subject of unfair scrutiny.
However, the situation has become increasingly tense, with community members holding weekly demonstrations outside her property and demanding stronger intervention from the RSPCA.
What happens next
With the RSPCA now formally executing a warrant, campaigners say they are watching closely for further action. Wines said her group will continue monitoring the site until horses are safely removed.
For many, the warrant marks a turning point. It follows months of unrelenting pressure from Wines, her fellow protestors, and growing political attention. Their persistence has kept the issue in the public spotlight, helping drive accountability. Supporters say that thanks to this ongoing dedication, the horses are now one step closer to being saved.
Yes we are all praying ? for the day we’re all the animals are seized from the property of horrors!
I have been hoping this would happen for most of this year and pray these animals are saved from the horrors they have endured
Good on the public for never giving up on these horses and exposing Maxine’s cruelty. It’s sadly too late for some of the horses but let’s hope she banned from owning another animal again and charged, and for the animals still alive that they get the love and medical attention they deserve ?