A bitter neighbourhood battle has broken out between multi-million-dollar beachfront property owners and dog walkers with council caught in the middle.
Following legal action by residents who own properties valued up to $12million overlooking the pristine Narrawallee Beach north of Ulladulla on the south coast of NSW, council limited the area of sand that dog walkers could use – but they’ve since faced furious backlash.
Dogs are now only allowed off the leash for a time period along a 500-metre middle section of the sand, they are banned from the main stairs to the beach and must use a bush track to access the coastal strip, while northern and southern ends of the beach remain dog-free.
Those advocating for the restrictions claim they have been attacked by dogs on the beach that also chased their children, left faeces and urinated on handrail posts. They also allege indulgent dog-owners only offered abuse when these behaviours were objected to.
Peter Murray, who owns a beachfront house and is part of the 13-strong anti-canine Narrawallee Beach Environmental Group, told the Sydney Morning Herald an off-leash Pit Bull terrier attacked him and scratched his big toe.
When he remonstrated with the dog’s owner he was told ‘it’s a dog beach, mate’.
‘The council has lost control of the dogs in the community. We are seeing the worst of it on our beach,’ Mr Murray told the Sydney Morning Herald.
He claimed dogs from all over the local district are walked on the beach, claiming as many as 130,000 a year use the sand, a figure dismissed as absurd by dog enthusiasts.
Dog walkers hold a Save Our Steps rally to complain they are being denied the main access to Narrawallee Beach on the south coast of NSW
There are claims 130,000 dogs use Narrawallee beach a year, a figure dismissed as absurd by pet lovers
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley has also said she avoids morning walks on Narrawallee because there are too many dogs.
However, councillor Patricia White is leading the fightback on behalf of pet owners and is set to challenge the restrictions at the next council meeting.
‘We’ve got a really elite minority group who just want the beach to themselves,’ Cr Martin, who is secretary of advocacy group Paws 4 Shoalhaven, told the Herald.
‘I’ve seen a lady wielding a stick, threatening to hit any dog that comes near her … There are people hiding in bushes with cameras, trying to catch people with non-compliance with the rules.
‘We’ve got $12 million houses in this area, and neighbours are picking on each other, and it is really destroying the neighbourhood,’ Ms White added.
Dog walkers held a Save Our Stairs rally and protest earlier this month to demand they be allowed the main access to the beach and speakers included Cr White and former state Liberal MP for the area Andrew Constance.
The dispute is playing out in the comments sections of the Paws 4 Shoalhaven Facebook page.
Properties over looking the pristine Narrawallee Beach on the south coast of NSW can cost up to $12million
The council now only allows dogs to be walked on a 500m stretch of sand and they can only be off the leash for a timed period
‘As a Victor Ave homeowner I totally reject the opinions of the Narrawallee Beach Environment Group in this article in SMH today,’ one person posted on Saturday after the newspaper covered the issue.
‘It just shows what a narrow minded and selfish group they are!’
However, a dog owner responded by admitting the group had a point.
‘If more dog owners were responsible dog owners, there wouldn’t be this stoush,’ the comment read.
‘Unfortunately, we have to pander to 1% of dog owners who ruin it for the rest of us. If everyone can’t do the right thing, then that’s a problem for all dog owners.
‘We should all be able to walk our dogs on the beach, but we can’t because someone can’t be bothered to train their dogs properly or can’t be stuffed picking up their turds, or in extreme cases, have their dogs attack other animals or people.
‘Deal with it and walk your dog somewhere else.’
This attracted a number of denials.
‘I have been walking my dog on this beach for many years and have NEVER experienced any issues with aggressive dogs or irresponsible owners so not sure what you are basing this statement on,’ a reply read.
‘Who are these dog haters and why are they even on this planet?’ another responded.
‘With respect you have obviously never seen the sheer delight of a dog running on a beach,’ another replied.
‘Yes, dogs love walking with their owners but some places bring out more of a reaction.
‘It’s obvious. Please don’t use the argument that the majority of people should be penalised for the non compliance of a minority.’
Shoalhaven City Council were contacted for comment on the beach management plan by Daily Mail Australia.
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