DETROIT -- Members of the Humane Society near Detroit tried to help raise awareness of abused animals in a unique way.

Staff members spent the night sleeping in dog houses in an effort to bring attention to the issue of some pet owners leaving their animals outside during the frigid temps.

The Humane Society workers say they respond to thousands of calls each year about animals that have been abused and neglected.

"Members of the cruelty rescue department are sleeping in dog houses tonight to bring awareness to the problem of pets sleeping outside without animal shelter," said Deborah MacDonald of the Michigan Humane Society .

State law says if dogs have to be kept outside they have to have a dog-house or an insulated area with bedding when temperatures drop below freezing.