A significant animal welfare operation was executed today (25/9) at a property on Moorooduc Highway in Mt Eliza, with the RSPCA seizing 35 horses.
The operation, following months of investigation and concern from the local community, involved a team of ten RSPCA personnel, and followed the execution of a second warrant after evidence was seized from the property last week (RSPCA executes warrant after animal welfare concerns, The News 19/9/25).
The seizure is the culmination of a long-running investigation which began in April after concerned community members issued reports on the treatment of animals on the property (RSPCA investigates horse welfare, The News 2/5/25).
A statement from RSPCA Victoria confirmed “Inspectors issued legal notices to comply for a number of horses and have attended the property more than 20 times throughout the investigation to monitor compliance with these notices”.
Community concern has continued to grow over the past few months, with local advocates leading protests and demanding action.
Carly Wines, one of the community members who has spent months protesting at the site, said she is feeling utter “thrill” and “joy” over the seizure of horses from the property.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the RSPCA for getting it done,” she said.
“I want to thank them for listening to us as a team of people who have been reporting continuously for five months and making noise about this, we know we’ve probably been a nuisance, but it’s come from a good place.”
Despite horses being seized, animals remain on the property. Wines said they will continue to fight for their removal.
“This has highlighted a big gap in animal welfare,” she said. “We need more robust animal legislation, which will hopefully come to fruition now.”
Tracey Asquith, who has been organising protests outside of parliament and the RSPCA Headquarters, said she is disappointed it has taken so long for action to be taken but is glad that animals have finally been removed from the property.
“My initial feeling is a mix between relief and tears. It’s just taken ever so long, and it’s required literally thousands and thousands of people to advocate for these animals,” Asquith said.
Dr Liz Walker, the CEO of the RSPCA, said it is a “significant” and “complex” situation.
“We’d like to assure the community that we are doing everything we can, within our powers of the legislation, to progress this matter,” she said.
“Our inspectorate will not hesitate to take action wherever they are legally allowed to do so, and any legal action will be guided by evidence and due legal process.”
Walker praised her inspectorate team, saying “We are incredibly proud of our inspectorate team and our team across the organisation who have worked really hard to get this outcome and as we speak are caring for the animals”.
She reiterated the importance of the community following protocol in situations like this.
“I encourage the community to report animal cruelty through the normal channels so that we can make sure that everything that can be done, is done,” Walker said.
