Dead horse allegedly found at former trainer Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property amid RSPCA probe

The rotting carcass of a deceased horse has allegedly been found on the property of a former racing trainer already at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation.

The rotting carcass of a ­deceased horse has allegedly been found on the property of a former racing trainer already at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation.

Ex-trainer Maxine Fraser is the subject of an RSPCA probe over the alleged neglect of 30 horses at her property at Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula.

A community-led animal welfare group has been protesting at the property weekly with hopes of action to save the horses.

There are concerns over the aalleged neglect of 30 horses at Mt Eliza property. Picture: Tony Gough

The carcass of a horse was allegedly discovered by the group at Ms Fraser’s stables just weeks ago.

The horse’s entire rib cage and insides were visible as it lay dead on the Mt Eliza property.

Carly Wines, who is leading the protest group, claims the horse had been laying dead at for at least three weeks.

“These photos are horrific,” she said.

“The pungent stench became apparent on June 26. This poor boy has suffered and died unnecessarily. This was preventable.

Ms Fraser, who also uses the surname Galpin, was stripped of her racing license in 2017.

Her 11ha property on the Moorooduc Highway is repeatedly visited by a large group of animal lovers from across Melbourne who are demanding the RSPCA and state government intervene.

“We wait with dread, more animals will perish under the watch of the RSPCA,” Ms Wines said.

“Where is the prevention of cruelty to animals? It’s completely evident that current animal protection laws do not meet expected standards.”

The RSPCA said the horse had been assessed more than once and “there were no welfare concerns” prior to its death, which is not currently under investigation.

“We were saddened one of the horses on the property passed away and we understand how distressing and confronting the death of an animal can be,” a statement read.

“This horse had pre-existing medical conditions and was under veterinary guidance.

“Our Inspectorate received an initial report for underweight horses at the property, which remains an ongoing investigation. We have attended the property on eight occasions since April 2025.”

Mount Eliza local are protesting about the neglect of horses on a local property. Picture: Tony Gough

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said she was “sickened” by the images of the rotting horse.

“This is a heartbreaking yet classic case of authorities in Victoria passing the buck because no one wants to take responsibility – and as always, it’s the animals that pay the ultimate price,” she said.

“These pictures are disturbing, and every Victorian should be sickened that this case was entirely preventable.”

Ms Purcell called for the “archaic” legislation to be reviewed immediately.

“The horses on this property were not just failed by the woman who was supposed to care for them, but by the so-called authorities that were supposed to step in,” she added.

“We know there is a proposed overhaul to Victoria’s archaic animal welfare legislation that is currently sitting on Jacinta Allan’s desk.

Originally published as Dead horse allegedly found at former trainer Maxine Fraser’s Mt Eliza property amid RSPCA probe