A bitter battle has broken out between the owners of multi-million dollar beachfront properties and dog walkers, with the council stepping in.
After residents of properties worth up to $12 million overlooking the pristine Narrawallee Beach north of Ulladulla on the New South Wales south coast filed a lawsuit, the council restricted the area where dog owners were allowed to walk, prompting fury.
Dogs are now only allowed to run free for a short time on a 500-metre-long central section of the beach. They are not allowed near the main steps to the beach and must use a forest path to reach the coastal strip. The northern and southern ends of the beach are still dog-free.
Those who support the restrictions claim that they have been attacked on the beach by dogs that have also chased their children, left feces and urinated on the railings. They also claim that indulgent dog owners only hurled insults when their behavior was objected to.
Peter Murray, a beachfront homeowner and member of the 13-member Narrawallee Beach Environmental Group, which campaigns against dogs, told the Sydney Morning Herald that a loose Pit Bull terrier had attacked him and scratched his big toe.
When he protested to 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 that dogs from all over the region are walked on the beach. As many as 130,000 dogs use the sand each year. Dog lovers find this absurd.
Dog owners hold Save Our Steps rally to complain they are being denied main access to Narrawallee Beach on the NSW south coast
It is claimed that 130,000 dogs roam Narrawallee beach each year, a figure dismissed as absurd by animal 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 opposition on behalf of pet owners and will challenge the restrictions at the next council meeting.
“We have a very elite minority group who just want the beach to themselves,” Councillor Martin, secretary of advocacy group Paws 4 Shoalhaven, told the Herald.
‘I saw a woman waving a stick and threatening to hit any dog that came near her… There are people hiding in the bushes with cameras and trying to catch people who don’t follow the rules.
“There are $12 million homes in this area, and neighbors are fighting with each other. It’s really bad for the neighborhood,” Ms. White added.
Dog owners held a Save Our Stairs rally and protest earlier this month to demand they be given access to the main beach access. Speakers included Cr White and former Liberal MP for the region Andrew Constance.
The disagreement is taking place in the comments sections of the Paws 4 Shoalhaven Facebook page.
Properties overlooking pristine Narrawallee Beach on NSW’s south coast can cost up to $12 million
The council now only allows dogs to be walked on a 500 metre stretch of sand and they are only allowed to run free for a certain amount of time
“As a homeowner on Victor Ave I completely reject the views expressed by the Narrawallee Beach Environment Group in this article in SMH today,” one person wrote on Saturday after the newspaper reported on the matter.
“It just shows what a narrow-minded and selfish group they are!”
However, one dog owner admitted that the group was right.
“If more dog owners were responsible dog owners, this stuff wouldn’t exist,” the commentary reads.
‘Unfortunately we have to give in to the 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 doesn’t want to take the time to train their dog properly, or because someone doesn’t want to take the time to clean up after their dog. In extreme cases, their dog even attacks other animals or people.’
“Accept it and walk your dog somewhere else.”
This resulted in a number of rejections.
“I have been walking my dog on this beach for years and have NEVER had any problems with aggressive dogs or irresponsible owners. So I don’t know what you are basing this statement on,” was one response.
“Who are these dog haters and why are they even on this planet?” replied another.
“With all due respect, you’ve clearly never seen the sheer joy of a dog running on the beach,” replied another.
‘Yes, dogs love to walk with their owners, but in some places there is more reaction.
“It’s clear. Please don’t use the argument that the majority of people should be punished for the non-compliance of a minority.”
Daily Mail Australia asked Shoalhaven City Council for comment on the beach management plan.
