One year after RSPCA Victoria seized 35 horses from a Mount Eliza property, campaigners have renewed calls for the remaining horses to be removed and for enforcement action to be taken.
The Mount Eliza horse welfare campaign has entered its second year, with Farm Transparency Project releasing new footage marking the anniversary of the seizure at former racehorse trainer Maxine Fraser’s Moorooduc Highway property.
On 25 September 2025, RSPCA Victoria, supported by Victoria Police, removed 35 horses following months of protests and reports about animal welfare concerns.
STPL News reported on the seizure at the time.
However, horses, goats and dogs remained at the property.
Campaigners Release New Mount Eliza Horse Welfare Footage
Farm Transparency Project released a four-minute video on 25 September 2026 documenting what it says has occurred during the year since the seizure.
The group says 18 horses remained immediately after the operation, along with 20 goats and an unknown number of dogs.
Campaigners allege some remaining horses have since suffered serious injuries, including wounds to the neck, stomach and chest, while also raising concerns about hoof and dental care.
“RSPCA Victoria, finish what you started and save the remaining animals from Maxine Fraser,” the group said.
Farm Transparency Project also alleges one stallion, known as Zorro, has disappeared and is presumed dead.
Zorro’s fate has not been independently confirmed.
The anniversary video can be viewed here.
Animals Remained After 2025 RSPCA Seizure
STPL News reported three days after the seizure that campaigners intended to continue protesting because animals remained at the property.
On 11 May 2026, an injured horse and a dog were removed during another operation involving RSPCA Victoria and police, according to campaigners.
By August, protesters believed about 16 horses remained.
STPL News reported last month on continuing concerns and photographs campaigners said showed injuries to horses still at the property.
STPL News was unable to independently determine how those injuries occurred or whether veterinary treatment had been provided.
Questions Remain Over Goats
Farm Transparency Project says about 20 goats remained at the property following the September 2025 seizure.
The group says that number had fallen to 11 by 22 April 2026 and alleges two more goats later died.
The remaining goats were subsequently removed by Agriculture Victoria, according to campaigners.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have not been independently established.
No Charges Laid Over Current Investigation
No charges have been laid against Fraser in relation to the current Mount Eliza animal welfare investigation.
Farm Transparency Project is calling on RSPCA Victoria to remove the remaining horses and take enforcement action where the evidence supports it.
One year after the original seizure, campaigners say the Mount Eliza horse welfare case remains unresolved.
STPL News will continue reporting on any further action taken by authorities.
