HUNTINGTON — Marshall University student Capri Holderby and a group of volunteers plan to raise awareness about the damaging effects of chaining dogs outside by putting themselves in the dog’s position.

Holderby, president of Marshall’s Students Promoting Awareness in Defense of Animals, and seven volunteers will chain themselves to doghouses in Huntington’s Ritter Park for eight hours beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 29.

The “2008 Chain Off” will raise money and awareness of the practice of chaining dogs outside for long periods of time.

State law penalizes any person who “cruelly chains” an animal with a fine and possible jail sentence, but Holderby said the practice is far too common and should be better regulated. Often, she said, dog owners and the general public are unaware of the damaging effects of chaining.

“People don’t realize that dogs are social creatures and it’s very damaging to isolate them,” Holderby said. “We want to educate the public about how cruel and damaging chaining is.”

Money raised will go to the event’s sponsor, Dogs Deserve Better, an organization dedicated to “freeing the chained dog and bringing our best friend into the home and family.”

The organization, Holderby said, has a proactive approach in saving dogs from chaining and working with dog owners to bring dogs inside. Dogs Deserve Better uses the money collected from area representatives nationwide to install fences, purchase indoor crates and foster, rehabilitate and find new homes for dogs who have been previously tethered.

Holderby said the group and volunteers have already raised $100 but hopes to raise $1,000 by the end of the event.