Owners encouraged to do the right thing as new fenced dog enclosure comes to Brookfield in Margaret River

Brookfield residents will finally have their pleas answered with work to start at the end of this month on an enclosed exercise area for their dogs.

The project was first identified in the most recent review of dog exercise areas across the shire that also included changes to where dogs could roam the region’s beaches.

Acting ranger services co-ordinator Garth Baxter said fencing would be installed at the existing reserve near Brookfield Avenue and Leschenaultia Street where dogs could go off-lead.

Mr Baxter said the enclosure would give dog owners “additional peace of mind when exercising their best friends”.

“An enclosed dog exercise area provides a space for dogs explore and socialise with each other and gives owners the opportunity to test dog control in a safe environment,” he said.

“The space will encourage social interaction, so I think we’ll have happier dogs and happier owners, which is a win-win for everyone.”

However, owners were also urged to do the right thing, which Mr Baxter pitched as a chance to undertake a little exercise of their own.

“We’ll need the community to take ownership of the space and keep it clean for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

“Rangers will do their best to keep the dog-poo bag dispenser full, but what we need dog owners to do is take a moment to stretch, extend their arms down to the ground, and pick up after their pooch.”

More information about dog exercise areas was available on the Shire website.