A campaign to allow dogs on leads to be walked on the beach at Kurnell in non-swimming months has attracted strong support.
Many dog owners attended a rally opposite the beach on Sunday, calling on Sutherland Shire Council to review regulations banning dogs and horses from the beach.
A petition on the I Love Kurnell Facebook page gained 800 signatures in two days.
”I can’t believe the support we are getting – the whole thing has just snowballed,” said long-time Kurnell resident John “Jix” Michels, who started the campaign.
Mr Jix, who has two Staffordshire Terriers, said nearly 150 people attended the rally in front of his Prince Charles Parade home and the number would have been greater had not it clashed with the Sharks NRL game.
He said supporters of the campaign included residents of Kurnell and other shire suburbs, and as far away as Bankstown.
”Many have been coming here for years to walk their dogs,” he said.
“I have only had two local residents object to what we are trying to achieve.”
A council spokeswoman said they were aware of the protest rally.
“The organiser has been in touch with the mayor, who has arranged a time to meet with him on Friday to discuss his concerns,” she said.
Mr Michels said he decided to act after seeing a council ranger talking to a couple on the beach.
”They appeared upset and, when I asked what was wrong, they said they had been told they were not allowed to walk their little dog on the beach,” he said.
“I have lived here for 38 years and I didn’t know such a rule existed.
“I thought, ‘I am going to do something about this’.
”If the council won’t listen, we will go further.
“I know at least 400 people are prepared to take part in a protest walk with dogs and horses from Kurnell to Cronulla.”
