In Los Angeles County, the first-ever license for a backyard unicorn includes requirements that the animal be given regular access to rainbows and any glitter used in its upkeep be made from biodegradable materials.
The special dispensation was granted to Madeline, a six-year-old girl who has yet to secure a unicorn, but being a good citizen wrote to local authorities to request a license and ensure compliance.
Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, granted the license and provided Madeline with the county’s conditions for keeping a unicorn in accordance with Title 10 of LA County Code. In addition to rainbows and biodegradable glitter, Madeline must provide her unicorn regular access to moonbeams and watermelon and polish his or her horn with a soft cloth once a month.
“It is always rewarding to hear from young people who thoughtfully consider the requirements of providing a loving home to animals,” Mayeda wrote. “I commend your sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance to keep a unicorn in Los Angeles County.”
Mayeda and colleagues also send Madeline a stuffed unicorn until she is able to secure a real one.