Editor’s Note: STPL News did not name Maxine Fraser in earlier reporting while legal considerations remained unresolved. Following the Herald Sun’s decision to publicly identify Ms Fraser in their coverage, STPL News is now able to report her involvement in this matter openly, in the public interest.

Mornington Peninsula, 28 April 2025 —
Once a prominent figure among local horse enthusiasts, Maxine Fraser’s name is now synonymous with controversy, community anger, and well-documented allegations of systemic animal neglect.

The Rise: A Passion for Horses

Maxine Fraser began breeding horses on the Mornington Peninsula more than two decades ago. At her peak, Fraser operated a small stud featuring her stallion, “The Wiz,” who produced at least 28 foals up until his death.

Records from the time show that her horses were active in local breeding circles, and Fraser was considered by some as a dedicated — if private — member of the Peninsula’s equestrian community.

However, by the early 2010s, signs began to emerge that all was not well behind the fences.

The Decline: Warning Signs and Official Sanctions

Community members say concerns about the welfare of Fraser’s horses date back more than a decade. Reports surfaced of horses left to starve, breeding practices resulting in deformities, and allegations of dead horses being burned in open paddocks.

According to eyewitness accounts, uncontrolled breeding on the property led to serious welfare issues. Stallions were allegedly running freely with mares and their own offspring, resulting in inbreeding, genetic deformities, and foals born with conditions incompatible with survival.

By 2012, Fraser had ceased formally registering foals — a potential early indicator of the stud’s decline into disorganisation and neglect.

In 2017, widespread welfare concerns at Fraser’s property attracted attention.
Following investigations, Maxine Fraser’s racing licence was stripped, formally ending her ability to operate within Victoria’s regulated racing and breeding sectors.

Despite these consequences, Fraser was not permanently banned from owning horses — a decision critics argue allowed ongoing welfare issues to resurface in later years.

The Collapse: Ongoing Allegations and Public Outcry

In February 2023, new concerns emerged after a newborn foal was reportedly found dying at the property’s fenceline, visible from a neighbouring reserve.

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes and difficulty obtaining assistance from authorities.

Despite repeated reports to RSPCA Victoria, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and Victoria Police, no significant enforcement action appeared to follow.

In April 2025, fresh allegations arose after photos and video evidence surfaced showing multiple horses in visibly poor condition — including emaciated mares and young foals.
Eyewitnesses also reported seeing horses confined in sheds and paddocks strewn with hazards.

Community members organised a protest near Fraser’s property, demanding immediate action to protect the surviving horses and calling for Fraser to be permanently banned from keeping animals.

Coverage of the protest can be found in STPL News’ earlier report.

Protest organiser Carly Wines told STPL News the community was determined to pursue change:

“We’ve witnessed horses dying in paddocks, carcasses being burned, and systemic neglect for years,” she said.
“This isn’t about one bad owner having a bad week. It’s a pattern, and it needs to end.”

Director of Herd Harmony Miriam also called for urgent intervention:

“This is not hoarding — this is indiscriminate breeding leading to deformed, starving animals,” she said.
“The RSPCA needs to step up and use the powers it has.”

RSPCA Victoria has since confirmed an active investigation is underway, stating that seven underweight horses have been identified and that Fraser is cooperating.

In a recent public statement, RSPCA Victoria urged patience and cautioned against misinformation.

Attempts by STPL News to contact her for comment were unsuccessful.