IMPASSIONED testimonies by supporters of vet Ranes Sanyal have helped persuade the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to allow him to treat animals again.

There were cheers and applause when he was reinstated to the register at a disciplinary hearing in London.

Mr Sanyal, who runs the Ancare surgery in Whitstable Road, Canterbury, was struck off by an RCVS panel for disgraceful professional conduct.

But he has now successfully applied to practise again.

He was struck off in May 2005 after being found guilty of five charges relating to the lack of proper treatment to animals’ injured limbs, dishonesty to clients and the false certification of a proposed insurance claim.

He was said to have bandaged some animals’ limbs so tightly that they later had to be amputated.

The vet claimed his poor bandaging technique was a "momentary lapse" and that members of a local cat rescue group had campaigned against him.

While removed from the register he undertook more than 40 hours of professional development courses, paying "particular attention" to bandaging technique.

Nicholas Elliott QC, for Sanyal, insisted he had been punished and learned his lesson.

Chairman of the disciplinary panel Alison Bruce said: "The committee is satisfied that Mr Sanyal now accepts the findings of the original hearing and that the sanction imposed was appropriate.

"We are satisfied that the welfare of animals will not be prejudiced if his name is restored to the register."