First-Ever Unicorn License Given To LA Girl By Animal Care Foundation

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 10-year-old girl from Los Angeles made history when she was granted the first-ever license to own a unicorn and keep it in her backyard, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control said.

They say you never know until you try, and the little girl, Madeline, set her aims high back in November.

"Dear LA County, I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my backyard if I can find one," Madeline wrote by hand in a note to the foundation dated November 14. " Please send me a letter in response."

Just a few weeks later, Madeline's wish came true when she was granted the license under a few conditions, including that the unicorn is given regular access to sunlight, moonbeams, and rainbows, and fed its favorite treat of watermelon at least once a week.

The letter, signed by the department's director, Marcia Mayeda, also mandated that the unicorn's horn be polished at least every month with a soft cloth.

"It is always rewarding to hear from young people who thoughtfully consider the requirements of providing a loving home to animals," the letter said. "I commend your sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance to keep a unicorn in Los Angeles County."

The license was sent to Madeline along with a stuffed unicorn for her to love while she hunts for the real deal.

Photos of the correspondence between Madeline and Mayeda were shared across social media, where the little girl's spirit and Mayeda's heartwarming gesture were celebrated.

"You know what really impresses me? That Marcia took the time to write this, create a 'license' and find a unicorn. She didn’t have to, but she did," Twitter user butternut4me wrote.

“I always feel it is important to respond to youth when they reach out to our department,” Mayeda told Patch. “Showing a genuine interest in them shows that local government can be a resource for their needs.”

The department expressed its deep appreciation for Mayeda, saying she has "helped grow the Foundation tenfold during her tenure" and that her "commitment to community outreach, saving animals, and continuous improvement in Foundation and Department practices is exemplary."