Mt Eliza locals allege 30 horses starved, neglected by former trainer Maxine Fraser
A former trainer stripped of her racing licence in 2017 is at the centre of a major stoush with fed-up locals, who allege dozens of horses are “fighting to survive” at her property.
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A huge stoush has erupted between animal lovers and the RSPCA over the alleged neglect of 30 horses on the Mornington Peninsula.
Locals say they have been reporting horses being starved and mistreated to the animal welfare charity since 2017 but without any action being taken.
Carly Wines, who is leading the group, is vowing to protest at the residential property in Mount Eliza until the horses are seized saying the animals are “fighting to survive”.
The stallions, mares and geldings are owned by former trainer Maxine Fraser, who had her racing licence stripped in 2017.
Racing Victoria conducted seven visits to her 28-acre Moorooduc Highway property between 2011 and 2013 and found “significant hazards to humans and horses existed”.
Conditions were placed on her licence but further inspections found issues were not addressed and further, the horses were “malnourished” and had to “compete for access to adequate water and feed”.
In July 2016, a partial site visit – because Ms Fraser refused to give access to the whole property – inspectors found the stables “dilapidated” and a “stench of faeces and urine so unpleasant and so strong” it could be smelt from the road.
“We’ve had enough,” Ms Wines said.
“We’re frustrated and keep reporting to RSPCA but nothing is ever done.
“The community wants change, wants to see improvement.”
She claimed: “This is systematic abuse, inbreeding and starvation. Some are full of worms and some cannot weight-bear. They are in excruciating pain and these are the ones you can see. The worst are hidden in sheds, away from public viewing.
“They are literally fighting to survive.”
The group also alleges there is evidence dead horses have been burnt on her property and that she also owns about 10 wolfhound breed dogs, three other dogs and around 20 goats.
Ms Fraser, who also uses the surname Galpin, could not be contacted by the Herald Sun despite several calls. The gates to her property are padlocked.
About 120 people protested at her home on Sunday, trying to shine a spotlight on the RSPCA inaction. A Facebook group has more than 1200 members and a petition has been signed by almost 6000 people.
The RSPCA said it was “actively investigating a case of seven underweight horses and working with the owner to improve their health.”
A statement released just before the protest read: “It’s important to note, moving horses who may be unwell can result in worse welfare outcomes, and rebuilding their weight must be done gradually to avoid adverse health outcomes.
“We ask for the community’s patience as this work occurs behind the scenes.”
It continued: “We urge the public not to take matters into their own hands as any interference could compromise the outcome of an investigation.”
The charity said it only had 28 inspectors to investigate 10,000 animal cruelty reports across the state.
Ms Wines said there were other organisations willing to help the RSPCA.
“The RSPCA claims it cares for all animals great and small. But with at least 100 visits to this property and absolute signs of alleged cruelty and malnutrition, nothing has been done,” she said.
“Angel Lodge, a grassroots charity, has reached out and stands willing to help
“It is utterly shameful.”
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