By Jay Scicluna | STPL News | 25 May 2025
Tensions have reached boiling point in the ongoing horse welfare dispute involving Maxine Fraser, with community protesters shifting their demonstration directly to the front of her property in Mt Eliza on Moorooduc Highway today.
Between 70 and 80 protesters gathered at the site, calling for immediate intervention from the RSPCA and authorities to seize the animals from Fraser’s care. The move follows more than four weeks of escalating concern since the initial protest on 28 April, with community members rallying every weekend in anger and frustration.
The community protests have occured every weekend since the initial protest of 28/04/25 
Protestors have amped up efforts out the front of Maxine Frasers property, calling for the immidiate seisure of animals by the RSPCA. – STPL News 
Protestors received many supportive honks from vehicles driving past.. – STPL News 
Protestors waved their signs at passing vehicles. – STPL News 
Tention Escalates in Horse Welfare Crisis as Protesters Take Signs to Moorooduc Hwy
This week, concerns intensified after multiple neighbouring properties alleged that they witnessed Fraser lighting a fire late at night, fuelling speculation that the remains of another missing horse may have been burned. While unconfirmed, the report has further galvanised the protest movement.
Demonstrators waved signs and called for action, drawing supportive honks from passing motorists along the highway. Police attended the scene briefly to ensure public safety and to prevent protesters from stepping onto the roadway.
The protest did turn confrontational at one point when Maxine Fraser entered her property via the Moorooduc Highway entrance at high speed, narrowly missing several protesters near the gate. Video footage captured by STPL News shows the moments that followed, with distressed community members shouting for Fraser to surrender her animals. Fraser did not respond.
It also emerged that last week the RSPCA had attempted to remove some of the animals after Fraser may have initially agreed to surrender them voluntarily. However, the agreement was reportedly withdrawn during the removal process, resulting in a foal being separated from its mother and several animals sustaining injuries.
Nearby community members claim that no fresh feed or visible care has been provided to the animals since the initial protest, further compounding welfare concerns.
The RSPCA has confirmed that they are investigating, however have asked fot calm and patience. Meanwhile, Authorities have yet to confirm whether any charges or seizure actions are pending. STPL News will continue to monitor the situation and report on developments as they arise.
