Dog owners call for more exercise sites

Bunbury City Council needs to improve the city's only fenced dog exercise area and install many more to cater for demand.

That's the view of dog owners, Debbie Russell and Gaye North, who are part of a group of residents who want the council to increase the number of exercise areas.

Mrs Russell, a champion dog trainer, said the Parade Road dog park - which had been a big hit since it opened about two months ago - needed to be improved in many ways, including allowing for a specific area for small dogs.

"It would be good if they could have more facilities in the park including concrete pipes for dogs to run through, weaving poles and jumps to make it fun for the dogs," she said.

And the council needed to build more fenced dog parks in different areas to cater for demand, she said.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the council had provided a water fountain, seating, bags and bins for the dog park - but there were plans to include exercise equipment.

"On balance, the Bunbury City Council has adequately invested in facilities for dog owners," he said.

"Other community facilities require attention, such as repairs and maintenance to Hay Park recreation facilities and upgrades to cycling and pedestrian facilities."