Rescue dog learns to play after living in darkness

A rescue dog that has spent 427 days waiting for a new home had to learn how to play and even answer to his own name after he had been kept in almost total darkness for long periods.

Nine-year-old lurcher Jude was rescued from a property with no clean water, bedding or electricity, as well as hazards on the site, the RSPCA said.

Staff who have been caring for him at Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent said that when he first arrived, he did not know what toys were, struggled to walk on a lead and had not learned to respond to his name.

They said Jude was rescued alongside eight other dogs and several snakes in a "multi-animal rescue", a growing issue that is putting pressure on the charity.

Animal care assistant Hayley Proud said staff had to start from the basics, treating him like a puppy.

"He would literally shut down and collapse to the floor when he was overwhelmed with the real world, but now he's come a long way," she said.

She said people were often put off because they believed lurchers needed lots of exercise.

"Actually, he's a sprinter. He'll have his five to 10-minute zoomie time and that will be enough," she said.

She said Jude now loves playing, enjoys spending time with people and is looking for a home with a garden.

"All he wants is companionship and love," she added.

The appeal to rehome Jude forms part of the RSPCA's Adoptober campaign this month.

The RSPCA said cases involving multiple animals were placing increasing pressure on its services.

Laura Bowbrick, kennel supervisor at the centre, said the animals came with behavioural and medical challenges, adding: "Often, they're shut down, can be very poorly, so take a lot of expertise and time to get them right."

Multi-animal rescues could be caused by many reasons, including owners' mental health, cost of living, out-of-control breeders and animals that had not been neutered, she added.

The RSPCA said officers have dealt with an average of 410 multi-animal incidents a month so far this year in England and Wales.

Across Kent, there were 105 multi-animal rescues in total between January and August.

In 2025, there were 188 multi-animal rescues in total across Kent.

Inspectors who rescued Jude found animals in unsanitary conditions at a property.

The owner was later found guilty of an animal welfare offence and received a 10-year ban on owning all animals.

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