Girl given 'license to own a unicorn in garden' - but she has to find one first
A young girl in California, US was given a 'license to own a unicorn.' Los Angeles' Department of Animal Care and Control wrote back after a Madeline asked for "approval" to look after a unicorn
A young girl had her creative imagination rewarded after authorities confirmed she is fit to take care of a unicorn.
Madeline, from California, US, was sent a "Permanent Unicorn License" in the form of a heart-shaped tag.
She wrote to her local authority in Los Angeles County to make the request, apparently aware that animal care comes with some level of bureaucracy seven at her young age.
In a brief letter, Madeline wrote: "Dear LA County, I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my backyard if I can find one."
Director of the county Department of Animal Care and Control, Marcia Mayeda, said Madeline has a great "sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance."
She thanked Madeline, whose last name and age were not revealed, for showing people the "requirements of providing a loving home to animals."
The department shared the story on social media, saying they found "joy" in the girl's letter.
They wrote: "This brought us so much JOY so we thought we should share with everyone.
"Madeline wrote us a letter requesting permission to have a unicorn in her backyard if she could find one. It is always rewarding to hear from young people who thoughtfully consider the requirements of providing a loving home to animals."
Members of the public gushed over the feel-good post and several thanked the animal authorities for writing back to Madeline.
One person said: "This is such a wonderful response to Madeline. Thank you to the government workers who delighted this child, her family and this reader."
Of course, looking after magical creatures can be difficult and young Madeline must make sure the ancient animal is well cared for.
According to the license, the unicorn must be given the exposure to sunlight it needs, as well as rainbows and moonbeams. Young Madeline will also have to polish its horn with a soft cloth once a month.
A careful diet of watermelon must be catered for, while any glitter applied to it must be nontoxic and biodegradable.
The department continued: "We commend Madeline’s sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance to keep a unicorn in Los Angeles County. As a result, we issued her a preapproved unicorn license.
"Also, in the meantime, because they are indeed very rare to find, we will be providing her the unicorn pictured below as she continues her search.
"Thank you Madeline for reaching out to our department."