Maxfield admitted causing unecessary suffering

Maxfield's partner Louise Swannick, 21, of Lime Grove, Oswestry, had earlier been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting the same charge.

She was also ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid community work and fined �150.

Magistrates were told that Holly had a festering eye wound when she was found and eventually lost her right eye.

RSPCA inspector Barry Williams pulled Holly from the drain after being alerted by a concerned member of the public.

Mr Williams said: "I am thoroughly pleased with the result.

Undernourished dog

"This life ban is exactly what the RSPCA would wish and sends a clear message to those who cause suffering to animals that a severe penalty can result."

The court had heard that an RSPCA investigation had failed to establish who wrapped Holly in a bin liner and left her trussed up in the drainpipe.

Vets estimated that Holly had been undernourished for about two weeks before she was found.

The case attracted national media attention and a woman from Surrey offered a �2,000 reward for information about who was responsible for the dog's plight.

Holly lost her right eye but has made a full recovery and now has a new home.

Maxfield and Swannick had claimed that they did not appreciate the seriousness of the dog's injury and had searched for her when she went missing.