Tuesday 2 August 2022 02:27 PM Fury as Patrick the pony who was made mayor is banned from his local pub by ... trends now

Tuesday 2 August 2022 02:27 PM Fury as Patrick the pony who was made mayor is banned from his local pub by ... trends now
Tuesday 2 August 2022 02:27 PM Fury as Patrick the pony who was made mayor is banned from his local pub by ... trends now

Tuesday 2 August 2022 02:27 PM Fury as Patrick the pony who was made mayor is banned from his local pub by ... trends now

Residents have branded their council 'disgusting' and 'selfish' after therapy pony Patrick has been banned from their local pub.

Patrick the pony, who is also mayor of Cocklington, Devon, has been forbidden from grazing at The Drum Inn by Torbay Council bosses, who say the pub does not have the right planning permission. 

The four-year-old animal helped residents, including terminally-ill Jon, 14, whose mother, Lorraine, was left in tears after the pony was barred from their local.  

Lorraine said: 'When I saw the news on Facebook I was taking our son in his lift to change him and I cried. 

'I cried because something so lovely can just be destroyed within a few minutes and it wasn't doing anybody any harm, it was something lovely in a hard world. 

'These moments are precious because they engrave happy times on your heart, and it helps the reality that one day Jon is not going to be here.'  

Patrick the pony and his owner, Kirk Petrakis, used to visit their local pub The Drum Inn regularly

Patrick the pony and his owner, Kirk Petrakis, used to visit their local pub The Drum Inn regularly

Torbay Council told the pub that they did not have the correct planning permission to allow Patrick to graze in the garden

Torbay Council told the pub that they did not have the correct planning permission to allow Patrick to graze in the garden

Jon, who is under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital, was so happy on seeing Patrick that he wanted to get out of his wheelchair and sit with him on the grass.

His mum has been left raging that the council has now blocked others from having that experience with Patrick.

Lorraine said: 'I couldn't believe they've made them do that - it just seems so crazy.

'And now somebody is saying about grazing rights? It's a pub garden!

'I feel sad for Patrick and the family - it seems cruel.'

And Lorraine has pledged that the family will follow Patrick - wherever he goes.

She continued: 'We had the most wonderful therapy session with Jon. We will follow Patrick wherever he goes.'

Residents have already created a petition to make the council allow the pony back on the pub's lawn.

Patrick Cain, who started the petition, said: 'We want this decision changed. We want them to allow Patrick to graze in the pub garden where the public can delight in watching him enjoy the grass.

'Torbay Council need to stop being so petty and allow a little joy into the lives of residents and visitors alike!'  

Caroline Shapter added: 'Good heavens what is wrong with Torbay Council?

'No compassion for animals or people that help others.

'I am more than disgusted.'

 Joannie Dunn, from Torquay, raged: “How much has he bought to Torbay for tourists - disgusting!”

Ingrid Marsh added: “I was absolutely horrified to read what had happened. Cockington is sadly diminished.

“He is a beautiful and gentle soul. Far superior to anybody trying to remove him. Cockington should be demanding he stays - he has a global reach now.”

Julie Anne Swinford, from Wiltshire, added:

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