SINGAPORE – Fire hoses once used to prevent fires have found a second life as dog toys, thanks to the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF).
In March, SCDF donated dog toys made from old fire hoses, which are durable and versatile, to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA Singapore).
In a Facebook post on March 15, the SCDF said: “After years of fire prevention, hoses that have reached the end of their operational lifespan have been decommissioned and will now spark the joy of life of our furry, four-legged friends. ”
It added that it will continue to embrace sustainability efforts in its work and explore new ways to “contribute to an eco-friendly, paw-some future”.
The Straits Times has contacted SPCA Singapore for comment.
Netizens praised the upcycling initiative and urged SCDF to sell the toys as part of the fundraiser.
One netizen wrote on Facebook: “Very creative and well done. Glad SCDF is friendly (to animals).”
“Consider selling (the toys) to raise funds for animal shelters. I would love to get some,” wrote another.
This is not the first time SCDF hasc recycled old fire hoses.
In 2023, SCDF donated more than 30 decommissioned firefighting hoses to the National Parks Board (NParks) and SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa.
NParks used ten hoses to build a 60m-long fence at Coney Island Park while 20 hoses were made into “enrichment devices” for marine animals.
An animal care expert at the SEA Aquarium said they can be used to make puzzle feeders that will encourage animals to take food, or floating mats.
