Christine Clarke is at the end of her tether with no fewer than six dogs living in the small flat above her in Buckshaft, Cinderford.

Urine has seeped through the ceiling, leading to her Forest of Dean District Council landlords – who have a no pets in flats policy – to make repairs.

And apart from the terrible smells and noise from the animals, which she says are being confined for long periods in appalling conditions, she says she lives in fear of antagonism from their owner.

Her sister Pam Bircher, who has taken up cudgels on Mrs Clarke's behalf because she "is on the verge of a nervous breakdown", says she has learned it may take up to two months more to get anything done.

Mrs Clarke has been living in hell for more than a year.

"The smell is absolutely disgusting and no human being should have to live with this. The bottom line is that my sister cannot take any more," said Mrs Bircher.

"So far we have achieved absolutely nothing even though the council are fully aware of all the facts. The RSPCA have been called out many times but say they cannot act because the animals are being fed.

"My sister is on the verge of a nervous breakdown and is on sleeping tablets and anti-depressants.

"Her doctor wants her to have time off from work for rest – however this is an impossibility due to the dog problem at home."

Now more than 40 people in the neighbourhood have signed a petition asking for urgent action to end Mrs Clarke's misery, and MP Diana Organ has also been to see the situation for herself.

Mrs Bircher says she appreciates the concern shown by the council over the predicament but the time has come for action, not words – the dogs have to go. There had been talk of the possibility of offering her another flat but so far nothing had come of it.

A spokesman for the district council said officials sympathised with Mrs Clarke's situation and confirmed that they were investigating legal action over the matter "but this could take time as it is a court issue".