A Sydney eastern suburbs council has landed itself in hot water with locals by banning dogs from a popular beach spot.
Right before November 2025 came to an end, Woollahra Council its decision to ban dogs from Sydney’s Kutti Beach after an “extensive consultation with the community on our dog walking locations”.
“The overwhelming majority of feedback we received on Kutti Beach in Vaucluse was from people who wanted dogs to be prohibited because of safety concerns,” the Council wrote on Facebook.
“On a hot summer’s day, the beach is packed with children and families, and in recent years our staff have had to respond to many complaints about dogs being off-leash as well as dog poo being left behind.
“So we have made the decision ahead of the busy summer holidays to prohibit dogs.”
The council went on to add that staff will be walking around, alerting dog owners and locals of the change, and that it won’t be issuing fines as it’s “focused on increasing awareness of the new rules”.
Shortly after the ban was announced, locals took to the comments expressing their grievances with the decision, with multiple people describing it as “disappointing”.
“This is extremely disappointing. One of the only places I can take my dog and daughter to enjoy as a family,” one person penned.
“I have been here loads and never once have I seen dog poo left behind or any issues. There are so many beaches in the eastern suburbs that families can go to, it would be nice if people considered the mental wellbeing of pets being able to be off-leash and play.”
“That is very unfortunate as the dog families love it so much and the dogs deserve a chance to play in the water,” another wrote.
“Disappointing! Kutti is secluded and enclosed, therefore perfect for a dog beach. Consider seasonal or time restrictions instead of a blanket ban. Wait for it — more traffic congestion for the locals, as so many dog owners ‘walked’ to the beach,” commented a third.
One person also questioned the council on when the “feedback or consultation from the public” happened. In response, Woollahra Council said consultations ran through March and April 2024 alongside eight pop-up events “consulting with people at dog parks throughout the LGA”.
The decision has also prompted an online petition, titled “Keep Kutti Beach Dog-Friendly”, organised by Chelsea Shear. Within the petition’s description, Shear highlighted the “mental and physical benefits” for both pets and dog owners.
“The council’s decision does not reflect the interests of its residents, who cherish these rare places where dogs can be free,” Shear wrote.
“I urge Woollahra Council to reconsider its 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.”
The petition currently has 1,709 signatures and multiple comments from owners who are lobbying for a dog-friendly Kutti Beach.
While Kutti Beach appears to be ditching the doggos, the council has said it will be “announcing more dog walking options for 21 new locations” in 2025. Fingers crossed, those will be announced soon!
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