<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Sydneysiders are up in arms about a council decision to prohibit dogs from a popular beach in the affluent eastern suburbs.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The Woollahra Municipal Council approved 21 changes to dog walking areas after an increase in pet ownership in recent years.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Most of the changes increased the places where dogs can be walked on or off leash, but one banned dogs at Kutti Beach in Vaucluse.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/ai-national-plan-australia-to-accelerate-broad-adoption-of-technology/8120782d-1a55-4b2e-aa8a-aaab1362bd44" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Australia to 'accelerate' broad adoption of AI under new national plan</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The council said this was due to members of the community raising concerns about the safety and environmental impacts.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"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," the council said in a social media post.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"So we have made the decision ahead of the busy summer holidays to prohibit dogs."</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/sydney-kutti-beach-locals-up-in-arms-about-council-decision-to-ban-dogs-from-popular-beach/d28322e2-aa0d-4cae-8ae9-fce27d4a3aa3" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Signs have gone up around the beach, and council rangers are notifying dog owners of the changes.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>No fines will be issued in the next few weeks as the council increases awareness.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>But locals were not happy to learn about the new rule, particularly since Kutti Beach is only one of two dog-friendly beaches in the eastern suburbs.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Penny Marr, a dog and family photographer, said the decision was "so disappointing".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It makes no sense. There are so many other beautiful beaches people can go without dogs, yet to cater to them, you've taken away one of the two dog beaches dog families could actually go," she wrote on social media.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/japanese-encephalitis-detected-horsham-victoria/4cfcd9fc-f3ef-49dd-b9be-c8a72815ba63" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Warning after deadly disease detected in Australia</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"How is that increasing opportunity for dog owners, in summer when it's too hot to take them anywhere during most days except the beach."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"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.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Such an incredible shame. Very disappointing decision," Bridget Gysbers said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>An online petition has been started to challenge the council decision and has almost gained 1500 signatures.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"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.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"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."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Dog owners can still walk their pets 2km away at Rose Bay Beach. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>9news.com.au has contacted the Woollahra Municipal Council for further comment.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" rel="" target="" title=""><em><strong><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></strong></em></a><em><strong><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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