A PENSIONER fighting the council’s controversial decision to remove her dogs has won her battle to keep the beloved pets.

Sheila Herbert, 70, from Highams Park, was told last month she had 49 days to remove three of her four elderly dogs, despite decades of responsible ownership.

But after four weeks of campaigning Mrs Herbert was “gobsmacked” yesterday (September 21) to find out the council was dropping the case.

Since the Guardian’s first article, Mrs Herbert received “overwhelming” backing from the community with more than 350 people signing an online petition in support.

She said: “People have been coming up to me in the street who I don’t even know, saying how disgusting the council’s decision was.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support it’s just been amazing.

“At the beginning when I saw all the support online I just sat there and cried it was so lovely.”

Mrs Herbert has given a home to unwanted cats and dogs for more than 35 years while living in council flats.

In her home now, she has a Chihuahua called Freddy, two Bichons Florence and Pippa and a Miniature Poodle named Fred.

She added: “I came here with four dogs and nothing in my contract said I couldn’t bring them.

“So I had a feeling I might come through this one.”

While the dog lover says she will not adopt any more pooches she hopes more people will give unwanted dogs a home.

She said: “There’s so many out there, big or small, that need a home.

“Just give them a chance.”