A young girl’s request for a license for a unicorn “if she could find one” has been granted, and the public’s response has been practically magical.
Last month, a letter written to the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control was answered by director Marcia Mayeda, granting Madeline permission to have a unicorn. The county’s response detailed five conditions for keeping the mythical creature:
- The unicorn must be cared for in compliance with all animal caretaking regulations set forth in Los Angeles County Code Title 10.
- The unicorn is given regular access to sunlight, moonbeams, and rainbows.
- The unicorn is fed one of its favorite treats – watermelon – at least once each week.
- The unicorn’s horn must be maintained to be in good health. This requires polishing at least once a month with a soft cloth.
- Any sparkles or glitter used on the unicorn must be nontoxic and biodegradable to ensure the unicorn’s good health.
They also included a pink certificate and a stuffed unicorn wearing a heart-shaped pet tag.
That Dec. 6 Twitter post from the department has more than 1,320 likes and 350 retweets.
Madeline wrote us a letter requesting permission to have a unicorn in her backyard. We issued her a preapproved unicorn license. Also, because they are indeed very rare to find, we gave her the unicorn pictured below as she continues her search. Why, yes we DO license unicorns! pic.twitter.com/SUosMLdzGY
— LA Co Animal Care (@LACoAnimalCare) December 7, 2022
Madeline’s request quickly went viral and prompted the LA County Animal Care Foundation, a charitable arm of the department, to create a special fund.
Mayeda said the public was thrilled by the story, saying they got so many requests for licenses to give as Christmas gifts that they created the fund bearing Madeline’s name.
Related Story: Southern California girl licensed to own unicorn — if she finds one
“People care so much for animals and wanted to see positive things happen,” she said. “So many people that were just so positive and so grateful (for the story) … and wanted to be part of this feel-good moment.”
For a $25 donation to Madeline’s Magical Unicorn Fund, the donor will get “a special unicorn license and certificate,” the website says. So far, Mayeda says, there have been 37 donations since the fund was announced Dec. 16 for a total of $2,574.
The average donation is $101, Mayeda said. The funds are being used for animals being cared for by the county.
What did Madeline’s family think of the response?
They are “thrilled about the fund” helping animals and “really blown away by all the positive attention,” Mayeda said.
Now, like Madeline, everyone can have a unicorn – if they can find one.
