California girl given licence to own a unicorn – if she finds one

A Los Angeles girl named Madeline has been granted a licence to own a unicorn – if she is able to find one.

The first-of-its-kind permit came with strings attached, however: the mythical creature must be provided ample exposure to sunlight, moonbeams and rainbows and must have its horn polished at least once a month with a soft cloth.

Director Marcia Mayeda of the Los Angeles county department of animal care and control sent the girl a heart-shaped, rose-coloured metal tag with “Permanent Unicorn License” emblazoned on it, along with a white fuzzy unicorn doll with pink ears, purple hooves and a silver horn.

The department’s response came after the girl wrote to them last month, saying: “Dear LA County, I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my backyard if I can find one.”

Ms Mayeda commended the girl for her “sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance” and for thoughtfully considering “the requirements of providing a loving home to animals”.

The agency posted images of the correspondence, the licence, the medallion and the stuffed toy on its social media accounts, with the girl’s last name obscured.

Its five conditions for unicorn ownership also require that any sparkles or glitter sprinkled on the animal be non-toxic and biodegradable, and that it be fed watermelon at least once a week.