MT ELIZA — A young horse has been found dead and decomposing on the Mt Eliza property at the centre of a 14-week animal welfare protest, intensifying community calls for immediate intervention by authorities.
Locals say a strong odour led to the grim discovery, with one individual finding the remains of what appears to be a two-year-old horse in advanced stages of decomposition — and missing a front leg.
STPL News has obtained photographic and video evidence of the deceased animal. Due to the distressing nature of the material and safety concerns, the identity of the individual who captured the footage will remain confidential.
The discovery has further fuelled outrage among animal advocates, many of whom have spent over three months protesting outside the property owned by former horse trainer Maxine Fraser. Conditions are said to have worsened significantly as winter sets in.
“This isn’t just about feeding animals anymore — it’s about death, decay, and inaction,” one protester told STPL News. “We’re witnessing failure on every level.”
Tracey Asquith, a prominent campaigner from Hastings, has now organised a protest at RSPCA Victoria’s headquarters in Burwood East. The demonstration is aimed at pushing the organisation into urgent action.
“The RSPCA has failed these animals. We’re not just going to stand by as more die,” Asquith said.
Despite months of complaints, media attention, and a growing social movement, authorities have yet to remove any animals from the Mt Eliza property. Protesters say the horses are again visibly malnourished, with minimal shelter from the cold and worsening weather.
Additionally, Ms Asquith has successfully launched two parliamentary petitions calling for stronger animal protection laws and urgent intervention at the Mt Eliza property. The petitions were formally sponsored in Victoria’s Parliament by Labor MP Paul Mercurio in the Lower House and Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell in the Upper House.
Liberal MP for Mornington, Chris Crewther, addressed the issue publicly on 17 July, stating he has been in regular contact with the RSPCA, the State Labor Government, and other relevant authorities.
“While I am part of the Opposition in the State Parliament, with no decision-making power myself, I want to assure you that I’ve been in ongoing contact… I will continue to advocate to ensure that the welfare of all animals is prioritised,” Crewther said.
But campaigners say that promises and paperwork are no longer enough.
“There’s a dead horse rotting in a stable beside her bedroom,” a protester said. “What more evidence do they need?”
Maxine Fraser, who was banned from the racing industry in 2012, has previously claimed feed shortages are to blame for the condition of her animals — but locals point out that malnourishment on the property has been documented for more than a decade.
Now, with another protest targeting the RSPCA itself, the community is demanding answers.
How many more animals have to die before someone intervenes?
