Protesters Brave Storm as New Photos Emerge from Maxine Fraser Property
Protesters braved wild weather outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property, marking six months of demonstrations, after new photos by photographer and regular protester Carol Augustinus revealed another animal death.
Despite heavy rain and wind, protesters gathered for the 26th week outside Maxine Fraser’s property on 26 October, following new photographs by Carol Augustinus showing another animal death.
Mount Eliza animal cruelty protest
MOUNT ELIZA – Hard-hitting rain and fierce winds did nothing to deter those taking part in the ongoing Mount Eliza animal cruelty protest, who gathered once again outside Maxine Fraser’s property on Sunday, 26 October, marking six months of demonstrations calling for the rescue of animals still held on the property – nicknamed the “Equine House of Horrors“.
Lining the roadside along the Moorooduc Highway, community members stood shoulder to shoulder under umbrellas, holding signs that read “Another One Dead,”“Dogs in sheds howling for help – MP Council act now!” and “If you can’t feed them, don’t breed them!”
“Dogs in sheds howling for help – MP Council act now!”
The demonstration came in the wake of fresh and damning photographs captured by photographer and regular protester at the Mount Eliza property, Carol Augustinus, showing a deceased goat believed to have been left unnoticed for days before being discovered.
Protesters identified the animal as Brownie — one of several goats they say have died on the property in recent weeks.
Protesters say another goat, affectionately known as Brownie, has died on Maxine Fraser’s property amid ongoing claims of neglect. Picture: Carol Augustinus
“This is why we protest”
In the lead-up to Sunday’s protest, organiser Carly Wines took to Facebook to share her heartbreak and frustration, writing:
“This is why we protest.
We are not done – the situation has not changed.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s protest, organiser Carly Wines took to Facebook to share her heartbreak and frustration. Pictured: Carly Wines. Photo: Carol Augustinus
Animals are left behind. I’m hearing people think everything is okay here, that the animals have gone. Well, they haven’t.
And they continue to perish as you’ll see below.”
Her post included images and footage reportedly showing Fraser disposing of the deceased goat, prompting widespread community anger. Wines said the animal had been missing for three days before it was found — and it wasn’t the first time advocates had documented similar losses.
“The daily visitors are the ones who notice,” Wines said.
“They’re the ones committed to getting these animals out and to safety. They sacrifice their own time every day to bring these atrocities and neglect to light.”
Unrelenting weather, unrelenting resolve
The conditions on Sunday were brutal — sheets of rain and gusting winds swept through Mount Eliza — but protesters stood their ground for more than two hours, vowing to return every week until all remaining animals are safe.
Mt Eliza protestor. Image: Carol Augustinus
Growing pressure on authorities
The protest follows RSPCA Victoria’s seizure of 35 horses in late September, which was described by the organisation as a “complex and large-scale operation.” Despite that action, locals claim that 18 horses, dozens of goats, and several dogs remain on the property in worsening conditions.
Advocates are again calling on Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and the RSPCA to step in more decisively.
Photos from the weekend show a long line of drenched demonstrators with hand-painted signs reading “Now for the rest” and “Maxine – provide vet care.”
“Brownie’s death won’t be forgotten”
Protesters say Brownie’s passing has only hardened their resolve. The message, they say, is simple — “Until they’re safe, we’ll be here.”
