Justice for Bailey Lister - uncle of tragic animal lover launches petition to stamp out online bullying
Bailey was just 22 years old when he lost his life.
The uncle of a kind-hearted animal rescuer who was known fondly as the Dr Doolittle of animals who took his own life has launched a petition to put a stop to online bullying.
Bailey Lister, 22, was tragically found dead in May this year.
In the weeks leading up to his death he had suffered a relentless online campaign of bullying which friends claim lasted for months, with those closest to him insisting that the criticism escalated around the time Bailey was evicted from land in Hambleton which he used to run his charity Hugo's Small Animal Sanctuary.
However, Lancashire Police have since confirmed that Bailey was NOT being investigated for any wrongdoing.
Affectionately named Dr Doolittle, he offered a rescue for small pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs as well as birds.
While many continue grieving for him, his uncle Luke Lister has launched a petition calling for a stop to online bullying.
The petition reads: “My nephew Bailey was just 22 years old when he lost his life. He was a young man with his whole future ahead of him.
“What happened to him didn't happen in a playground or in person — it happened online.
“He was subjected to sustained online bullying, and the cruelty he endured became too much for him to carry.
“That is the reality of online bullying. It doesn't stop when you log off. It follows you everywhere. It can make you feel isolated, worthless, and like there is no way out.
“For Bailey, the constant abuse destroyed his mental health and ultimately led to him taking his own life.
“The devastation this has caused our family is impossible to put into words. To lose someone so young, so full of potential, in this way is heartbreaking.”
He added: “We must act decisively to put an end to this crisis. Our goal is to introduce comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that enforces stricter monitoring of social media platforms, mandates educational programs in schools, and provides resources for mental health support.
“Social media companies must be held accountable for the content shared on their platforms, employing algorithms to identify and remove harmful content immediately.
“Moreover, mental health support must be accessible to those affected. This includes establishing dedicated helplines and online chat support available 24/7, specifically designed for victims of cyberbullying. It is vital that these resources are well-publicized so that individuals know they are not alone and help is readily available.
“By signing this petition, you are standing up against online bullying and helping to build a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.”
If you would like to sign the petition click here
If you have been affected by online abuse and are struggling with your mental health, there are a number of free helplines available.
Here are some of the groups you can contact :
Samaritans: 116 123.
PAPYRUS: Suicide prevention charity - 0800 068 4141.
National Bullying Helpline - 0300 323 0169.