Cops: Headless chickens found outside church

Police are investigating an "unusual incident" possibly involving animal sacrifice after two headless chickens were discovered in a bag outside a Catholic church in New Hyde Park.

The headless chickens were discovered by a landscaper, who found them in a plastic bag in front of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church on Jericho Turnpike early Thursday morning, Nassau County police said.

Police believe the bag was left at the church between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 8:50 a.m. Thursday.

Police said they are investigating whether the headless chickens are part of an animal sacrifice related to Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religious practice. Police said it is unclear if the discovery of the dead chickens is evidence of a crime -- or is merely a nuisance.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.