Transport Secretary blasts ‘tick-boxing’ Southwestern rail for banning dog from ticket office

The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has hit out at Southwestern rail after it was reported that they had pushed a Horsley stationmaster into quitting his job after banning his dog from the ticket office.

Richard Bunce and his wirehaired pointer George had become popular in the community, with the local parish council describing them as “our greatest asset”.

Mr Shapps tweeted: “Sad to hear that @SW_Help planning to dispense with the services of George the station dog, along with his owner station master Richard Bunce. Sounds like RUFF justice to me! A little less tick-boxing would brighten up everyone’s day.”

The rail firm responded: “We have been working with Richard this week to find a way for him and George to continue their good work at Horsley, while maintaining the safety of our customers and colleagues and hope to resolve soon.”