Supporters of the Birmingham pensioner found guilty of 13 charges of animal cruelty have defended her treatment of cats.

Despite being charged with mistreatment of the 40 animals she had at her home, friends say that Elsie Nash, aged 79, only had the cats best interests at heart.

Douglas Sabin, who lives near Elsie in Erdington, said: “She has devoted her entire adult life to the protection and welfare of strayed and homeless cats.

“Much of her time was given to holding charity events to raise funds for cat protection, she has had no life except for that given freely for the welfare of the animals she loves so much.”

The RSPCA showed magistrates a video of the house, with overflowing litter trays, splattered walls, filthy floors and said to contain an “overpowering smell”.

But Mr Sabin added: “To find her guilty of animal cruelty is truly not a case of justice served.”