Bailey Lister's inquest may have concluded - but his story should continue to educate
Bailey was just 22 years old when he lost his life.
An inquest for 22-year-old animal lover Bailey Joe Lister concluded yesterday at Blackpool Town Hall - but his story should continue to educate.
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 resided with his housemate.
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 dead by his housemate at their home address.
Stamp out online hate
With social media used more and more frequently as a playground for hidden identities, many use it as a platform to spew hate and abuse at others, posting images of a person to garner a hate campaign against them.
This is what happened to Bailey.
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.”
If you would like to sign the petition click here
HELP IS AVAILABLE
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.