Sydney residents are expressing outrage over a recent council decision to prohibit dogs from a much-loved beach in the city’s upscale eastern suburbs.

In October, Woollahra Council implemented 21 modifications to designated dog walking areas, responding to a surge in pet ownership over recent years.

While most of these changes expanded the number of spots where dogs could roam freely on or off leash, one particular adjustment has led to dogs being banned from Kutti Beach in Vaucluse.

The local community was displeased with the announcement, especially since Kutti Beach is one of just two dog-friendly beaches in the eastern suburbs.

Penny Marr, a former resident, makes a half-hour journey to let her dog Daisy enjoy a swim at Kutti Beach, highlighting the beach’s significance to dog owners.

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.”