Shawnee County commissioners on Thursday banned unauthorized camping on county-owned property and required leashes for dogs in the county’s parks and on its trails. … The measures don’t take effect immediately, as home rule resolutions don’t become effective until they are published in the official county newspaper, which is the Topeka Metro News, said Amanda Monhollon, the county’s public information officer. … The measures had support from Lynn Cress, vice president of the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club. Cress said an increase in homeless camps along the Shunga and Landon trails have made those trails unsafe for club members to ride alone, especially women and children. “Passing a leash law that covers parks and rec properties goes a long way to providing tools for enforcement, and we thank you for your efforts,” Cress said. “However, the proximity of homeless encampments near the trails continues to be a health and safety issue for all involved.”
Source: CJonline
