Paws and pints raise funds and awareness at Avondale Brewing

Despite afternoon thunderstorms, music and art fans and some of their furry friends gathered at Avondale Brewing Company to support The U.S. Animal Law Center.

The Paws, Pints and Performances Music and Arts Festival on July 9 was a first for TUSALC, but founder and President Linda Dooley said the group was excited to bring people together and educate them on the fight against animal cruelty.

TUSALC was formed by Dooley in 2011, and since then has worked within the Alabama Legislature to pass measures increasing criminal penalties for animal cruelty, adding penalties for repeat offenders and including all animals, not just companion animals, in animal cruelty laws.

The nonprofit has also worked to create an animal cruelty database in order to keep known abusers from being able to adopt animals at Alabama shelters.

Saturday's event at Avondale included five bands, an art showcase and food trucks, including the Fetch food truck for dogs.

The Alabama Wildlife Center was also on hand to educate guests about Alabama's birds of prey, a few of which were in attendance themselves.

Dooley thanked guests for supporting TUSALC's efforts and projects, and said the group is looking forward to hosting more events in the future.

For more information about TUSALC, visit theusanimallawcenter.com.