In a UK first, Kbis Equine Insurance will be insuring horses for slaughter and disposal.

The unique deal has been arranged for the International League for the Protection of Horses which re-homes three to four hundred a year and has 1700 horses out on loan. The cover provided by Kbis means that the ILPH can confidently put their horses out on loan, knowing that they will be humanely disposed of when their quality of life deteriorates.

Roly Owers, head of fundraising for the ILPH said: “With the increasing cost of carcass disposal it is very important to us to know that all horses we put on loan will be put down humanely at an appropriate time. The worst thing to happen is for people to feel they can not afford to put them down, and leave them, possibly in pain and neglected in a field. It has taken several months to work out suitable cover, and we are delighted that Kbis Insurance was able to help.”

Guy Prest, Kbis director said: “The ILPH does a huge amount of good work in re-homing horses and improving horse welfare, and are pleased to play our part in that. As part of our commitment we will also be offering special rates to anyone who purchases a horse or pony from an ILPH centre.”