ANGELICA, N.Y. — A Hare Krishna has been fined by village officials for harboring cows without a permit — despite his plea that the cows are integral to his religion.

"It's unthinkable for us," Stephen Voith told the Wellsville Daily Reporter in yesterday's edition. "It's like being told to remove your mother and your father from your home."

Voith lives on Main Street in the village, 80 miles south of Buffalo. Neighbors have complained of noise. Nearly 100 violations were cited, and Voith was given 60 days to pay the fine.

Justice Carol Trivisondoli said the $457 fine would be waived if the cows were removed.

Voith vowed to appeal. He said he was denied a permit because he failed to get the necessary signatures from his neighbors, some of whom have their own livestock.

New York Civil Liberties Union officials are concerned about a possible violation of religious freedom, said John Kurrst of the western regional office.

"There's an indication of religious-persecution overtones," Kurrst said. "In light of what's happened since Sept. 11, there should be more awareness and sensitivity to people who are different and share a community."

Hare Krishnas believe in protecting cows. The Voiths own one adult, two yearlings and a calf.