Uncle of animal rescuer Bailey Lister in Government petition bid to get law tackling cyberbullying in his name
Luke, who lives in Blackpool, has now launched a petition with the UK Government, which if successful will see cyberbullying made a standalone criminal offence and a increase in mental health funding.
The devastated uncle of a much-loved animal rescuer is trying to get a law created in his memory which will see cyberbullying made a standalone criminal offence.
Luke Lister lost his 22-year-old nephew Bailey Lister in May this year to suicide.
The popular animal lover, who ran Hugo's Small Animal Sanctuary, suffered a relentless campaign of online bullying before his untimely death, which escalated around the time he was evicted from land in Hambleton which he used to run his charity.
However, Lancashire Police confirmed that Bailey was not being investigated for any wrongdoing.
Luke, who lives in Blackpool, used his grief as a platform to launch a Change.org petition to try and stamp out bullying and prevent another family suffering in the way his has.
But he has now launched a petition with the UK Government, which if successful will see cyberbullying made a standalone criminal offence and a increase in mental health funding.
After the petition went live, Luke said: “When I got the email I so overwhelmed with so much excitement and joy I cant wait to get the ball rolling.
“Please take a little time to read what the petition is about and what we are aiming to get out of it. Please let's stand together and get this petition in place because no-one should have to deal with what myself,my family and who ever knew Bailey have endured.
“Every share, every signature, and every voice that stands up speaks for Bailey and for so many others who’ve been silenced.”
He added: “By spreading this petition far and wide, we’re not just asking for change — we’re building a movement that says online cruelty has real consequences, and that no family should ever have to grieve because lies were allowed to spread unchecked.
“Getting a law named in Bailey’s honour would mean his story becomes more than a memory: it becomes a lasting promise that his life mattered, that his pain was not in vain, and that future generations will be better protected from the harm that took him from us.”
If the petition gets 10,000 signatures, the Government has a legal duty to respond.
If the petition gets 100,000 signatures, it can be debated in Parliament.
An inquest was held into Bailey’s death at Blackpool Town Hall.
The coroner heard the kind-hearted animal rescuer who was known fondly as the Dr Doolittle of animals took his own life in May after a relentless campaign of online bullying.
Assistant Coroner Louisa Rae called him a “gentleman” who lived with his housemate as she recorded a verdict of suicide.
She said he had a recent history of mental health issues and had experienced deteriorating mental health in the months prior to his death.
On 7 May 2026, he was sadly found hanged by his housemate at the home they shared.
To add your voice to the petition calling for cyberbullying to made a standalone criminal offence and a increase in mental health funding visit here.
You’re not alone
Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are there – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org for more
National Bullying Helpline - 0300 323 0169.