In an unusual demand, an Indian American has asked for permission from local authorities in upstate New York to erect a temporary roadside memorial in honour of 11 cows killed in an accident last week.

"Following last week's truck crash in Albany, which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 cows, I am writing as an Albany resident to ask that you permit me to place a 10-foot tombstone memorial for one month on the right-of-way on Rock Road at Switzkill Road to commemorate the lives lost in this deadly crash," Amrit Singh wrote in a letter to Albany commissioner.