New York, Mar 23 (PTI): A severed cow's head was dumped at the home of a Hindu man, who owns a cow sanctuary, in a town in the US state of Pennsylvania, prompting authorities to launch a probe into what they say is "ethnic intimidation".

Sankar Shastri owns and manages the Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary near Tannersville and state police are investigating the incident in which a cow's head was dumped at his home over the weekend, according to a report in the WNEP news website.

While none of the about 20 cows at the sanctuary was hurt, the severed head was left where Shastri could find it. Shastri is, however, not letting the incident affect his work, the report said.

"If you like cows and show love and compassion then there's more love and compassion and you don't need war," he said.

Shastri expressed shock at the incident but added that he hopes the incident does not "magnify anymore".

"I don't want to take it to the next side. I hope it is just a prank," he said.

He added that he cannot think of anyone who would do something like this on purpose.

The Lakshmi Cow Sanctuary had been a safe haven in the Bangor area for nearly 20 years before moving to the larger piece of land in Monroe County. Now the sanctuary has a chance to educate folks about Hindu beliefs in spite of a disturbing deed, the report said.

"They (the persons who dumped the severed head) probably didn't realise. People are unaware of what we're about," said Shastri.

The cow sanctuary is considering installing cameras, but hopes this story helps people become more aware of the importance of these animals to Hindus, according to the report.