Daily London
Sydneysiders are up in arms about a council decision banning dogs from a popular beach in the city’s affluent eastern suburbs.
Woollahra Council in October approved 21 changes to dog walking areas after an increase in pet ownership in recent years.
Most of the changes involved an increase in the number of places where dogs can be walked on or off leash, but one move resulted in dogs being prohibited from Kutti Beach in Vaucluse.
Locals were not happy to learn about the new rule, particularly since it is only one of two dog-friendly beaches in the eastern suburbs.
Penny Marr is a former local who travels 30 minutes just to take her dog Daisy to swim at Kutti Beach.
She is also a dog and family photographer who was planning to picture her clients at the beach in summer, and now has to find a new location.
“The only people that really go to Kutti Beach are dog people, because everyone knows there’s dogs there, and there’s so many other beaches for people to choose from who don’t have a dog,” she said.
“I just feel like it’s really unfair.”
Dog owners can still walk their pets two kilometres away at Rose Bay Beach.
The NSW government said the beach has possible pollution, which could increase the risk to children, the elderly and the sick.
Marr said, “Humans can’t swim there, and I won’t let my dog swim there”.
“My dog got sick at Rose Bay from drinking water that was coming down into it,” she said.
Other locals complained that the council’s decision was “disappointing” and
“unfair” on social media.
“This is extremely disappointing. One of the only places I can take my dog and daughter to enjoy as a family. I have been here loads and never once have I seen dog poo left behind or any issues,” James Maile added.
”Such an incredible shame. Very disappointing decision,” Bridget Gysbers said.
Kutti Beach was an on-leash dog beach and residents had been hopeful that council would make it an off-leash site.
But council said 90 per cent of feedback from the community was from residents who raised issues about dogs at the beach, including them being off leashes and poo left behind.
“At just 80 metres long, Kutti Beach is the smallest of our harbourside swimming beaches and becomes packed with children and families in summer, meaning dogs have been in very close proximity to people in a crowded area, which presented both safety and hygiene issues,” a council spokesperson said.
Signs have gone up around the beach, and council rangers are notifying dog owners of the changes.
No fines will be issued in the next few weeks as the council increases awareness.
An online petition has been set up to challenge the council’s decision and has already attracted more than 1700 signatures at the time of publication.
“The council’s decision does not reflect the interests of its residents who cherish these rare places where dogs can be free,” petition organiser Chelsea Shear said.
“I urge Woollahra Council to reconsider their stance and make Kutti Beach a designated off-leash area once again. Let’s preserve its status as a haven for dog lovers and their best friends.”
