A railway station master was ‘forced out’ of his job by killjoy bosses, who banned him from bringing his dog to work. This despite no complaints from passengers. All love the friendly pet.
Richard Bunce, 54, is a celebrity with George, his four-year-old dog.
Bunce was such a good worker that the transport hub was nominated as Best Small Station of Year three months ago.
However, South Western Railway issued the ban after a mystery shopper gave it glowing reviews – noting in passing that a dog was present in the office.
The new conditions mean that Mr Bunce cannot continue to do the job because he is no longer a train guard.
Even if he had the money to pay for daycare, the time he starts his shifts at 5.30am would mean that none of them would be open.
Now over 2,000 people have signed a petition – backed by East Horsley Parish Council – urging bosses to see sense and let the pet back to the station.
George was taken in by Mr Bunce around three years ago, as he had been working alone during his popular tenure.
He told MailOnline: ‘For some people, dogs are family – that’s what George is to me.
“I made it my mission to bring him to work. I wasn’t told I couldn’t, but he didn’t ask.
“It has never caused any problems. Everyone has been very positive. He doesn’t bother anyone and he stays at the ticket office.
Richard Bunce, who said George was like his family, took George to work because he wasn’t the only one there
Station master Richard Bunce, 54 and his dog, were beloved fixtures at Horsley Railway Station East Horsley in Surrey
George has become a local star at Horsley railway station, and news of George’s impending departure has shocked locals
Because Mr Bunce was so great at his job, the transport hub was nominated for Best Small Station in the Year three months back
Locals are devastated that Mr Bunce was forced to quit his job due to his dog. Pictured Lucy the dog, John, Sue and Sylvia.
“But as of Monday, going ahead, dogs aren’t allowed in the ticket offices.
“We had a secret shopper who visited the station. It was noted that there had been a dog in the ticket counter. It was not a positive or negative note. It was simply noted that it existed. They were happy with their station, except for that.
“I must leave the job because it isn’t cost-effective.”
“I don’t want him to spend the entire day alone in the house. If I wanted to drop him off at a dog daycare, it would have to be before 5.30am. I don’t think there’s anywhere close to here that opens that early.
“If I were to work at a station with ten people in the office, I wouldn’t even attempt to bring him in because it’s not appropriate. I work by myself. I don’t see any problem.
Over 2,000 residents and dog-lovers signed a petition requesting that Mr Bunce be allowed to take George to Work.
They say they are essential members of the community and have done hours worth of unpaid work to assist those who live there.
During lockdown, when the local library was shut down, Mr Bunce offered a pop up book borrowing service to help the aged stay connected and entertained.
George’s proud owner Richard Bunce poses with him on the train platform that passengers use to commute each day.
George, a German white-haired pointer, would lie down in the station office and cause no trouble. This was a popular choice with passengers.
Over 2,000 people have signed a petition asking bosses for common sense and to allow the pet to return to the station in Surrey.
Bunce stated that he hoped SWR would reconsider the matter and give him an allowance, particularly considering he is their sole worker.
The online petition to save Richard Bunce & George has already at least 2,000 signatures
The petition reads: “Richard has been responsible in many local initiatives and the tidy, friendly and friendly upkeep Horsley station which was a labour of love for both him and his well-behaved and friendly dog George.
George was not doing any harm, but rules are rules. Richard and George make a great team that makes for a happy station. Don’t try to fix it.
MailOnline received a letter from a customer at the station stating that Richard was a charming man who has transformed the station.
He is a local hero. Everyone loves George and his presence. It’s sad that the individuality of stations is slowly disappearing into history.
“His bosses should give Richard a promotion or raise for all that he has done for this village, not making it impossible for Richard to work there.”
After SWR’s no dogs ruling, Mr Bunce was able to take a few days off. A concerned regular reached out to find out where he was.
He said: ‘Someone asked why I wasn’t there as I always am, I explained I will ill but I also said to them I’d have to leave as dogs aren’t allowed in the station now.
“I’ve done pretty much nothing since then. The ball is now rolling down the hill. I’ve seen some comments online and I’ve read the petition. Virtually everyone I’ve talked to cannot see the problem.
“In Horsley I swear the entire world and his mate own at least one dog so George is a huge fan.
He doesn’t do a lot at work, but he’s very chill. I take him for a walk every morning before going to work. He is comfortable in his bed. He just waits for his audience.
“He’s at the ticket office with us so there’s no immediate contact. If they can see him, they will see him. Some bring him treats. He is a happy-go lucky, well-behaved dog.
‘I think SWR have been fair. If there is a ruling, or a reason that I can’t bring him to the office, that’s fine. I’m not trying make a statement. It’s just that if I can’t take him to the office, I can’t go to work.
“I emailed my immediate manager today – I assume he’s aware, comments and support – of the intention to return if they’re happy to have me return without the dog for a short-term.
‘I’ll do my notice. If I’m allowed to, then I’ll continue with the dog. It’s not something I would do, but it’s a bad situation.
Bunce stated that he hoped SWR would reconsider the matter and provide an allowance, particularly considering Bunce is the sole worker at station.
Many local residents have supported Mr Bunce’s dog and helped him.
NextDoor user, one wrote: “This is absolutely terrible! Richard, you are the best station master. You are a total asset for British Rail.
Another commented, “I’m new to the area, but every time that I’ve been to station thought how wonderful it is to see your canine companion at work.” I can’t see the problem, the world has gone mad.
“Total nonsense from the company…happy stationmasters and dogs bring smiles to most commuters’ faces – bad judgment call by your ex-company in mine opinion.”
A spokesperson for South Western Railway said: ‘While we don’t allow dogs to be brought into workplaces across our network, we recognise the strength of feeling in Horsley and are looking into the individual circumstances of this case.’