FRIENDS of the owner of Wrexham’s famous pony have expressed their shock at the attention the story has attracted.


Joe Purcell, who is a regular visitor to a traveller camp outside Wrexham, and his small white pony, Ruby, have been drawing crowds during their travels around the town.


The pair have been spotted inside Wetherspoons on Regent Street, outside various shops and pubs in the town centre, trying to board a train at Wrexham General and at the accident and emergency department at the Maelor Hospital.


And those living at the camp said they were shocked that the story had gathered so much attention in the media.


One friend said: “Joe is a visitor to the site, but he doesn’t live here. He is a really nice guy. We can’t understand all the attention.”


And the pony, which is reported to be in foal, has been checked by animal experts who have given it a clean bill of health.


Judith Haw, official RSPCA spokesman, said: “The owner and pony have been located. We can confirm the RSPCA have visited the pony which is in a good bodily condition and trading standards have spoken to the owner.”


A spokesman for Wrexham Council said the county’s animal welfare staff had spoken to the owner and said they had no animal welfare concerns.


After making headlines across the world, the animal is now making posts on social networking site Twitter which allows users to follow the antics of celebrities and friends.


The @TheWrexhamPony spoof page states: “I like to sightsee. Wandering around Wrexham and further afield in Clywd. My best friend is my owner and we like to take the train together.”


The pony has posted a desire to visit the town’s Racecourse ground and a fondness for cola cubes over sugar cubes.


North Wales Police have said they are not looking into the matter.
 

On Friday, May 13, kind-hearted staff at Yates’s took pity, feeding and watering the pony after it was spotted in a nearby bar.


The next day the owner attempted to board the 7.02pm train from Wrexham General to Holyhead with the pony.


The pair were seen again in the town on Wednesday and it was seen grazing close to the Maelor Hospital’s helicopter pad on Thursday.


To follow the pony visit twitter.com/#!/TheWrexhamPony


l If you know the owner contact the Leader newsdesk on 01392 707789.