TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Several roosters were thrown from a vehicle as deputies chased it along an Alabama interstate, authorities said Tuesday.

Several roosters were killed during the Monday morning chase on Interstate 20/59.

Sheriff’s officials recovered 54 roosters from the suspects’ sport utility vehicle and a box on the side of the interstate, Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s Lt. Andy Norris said. The 38 surviving roosters were taken to the Tuscaloosa Metro animal shelter.

The roosters resemble the kind used for cockfighting — but there is no evidence fighting had occurred, Norris said. Cockfighting has been illegal in Alabama since 1896, but it’s not illegal to raise, train or trade roosters.

Two Louisiana men, Brandon Michael LeBouef and Santos Dardar were inside the SUV and have been charged with first-degree theft. Dardar, who was driving at the time, is also charged with attempting to elude police and resisting arrest.

Authorities say LeBouef and Dardar are suspected of stealing the birds.

The two are being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. Dardar is being held on $39,000 bond and LeBouef is being held on $30,000 bond, according to jail records.

It’s unclear if the men have attorneys.

———

Information from: The Tuscaloosa News, http://www.tuscaloosanews.com