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AmethystOrator OP t1_izgjris wrote

> Rules are rules. Animal control officials in Southern California have granted permission for a little girl to keep a unicorn at home, provided she follows strict guidelines.

> Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control this week shared a letter it received from a child named Madeline.

> The girl wrote: “Dear LA County, I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my backyard if I can find one. Please send me a letter in response.”

> Director Marcia Mayeda replied with a letter along with a pre-approved unicorn license, a heart-shape license tag and a plush toy unicorn — until Madeline finds a real one. Photos of the license and Madeline’s letter were posted to the agency’s social media.

> The licensing letter included five conditions:

> 1. The unicorn must be cared for in compliance with all animal caretaking regulations set forth in Los Angeles county Code Title 10.

> 2. The unicorn is given regular access to sunlight, moonbeams and rainbows.

> 3. The unicorn is fed one of its favorite treats — watermelon — at least once each week.

> 4. The unicorn’s horn must be maintained to be in good health. This requires polishing at least once a month with a soft cloth.

> 5. Any sparkles or glitter used on the unicorn must be nontoxic and biodegradable to ensure the unicorn’s good health.”

> Mayeda commended Madeline for her “sense of responsible pet ownership.”

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janlaureys9 t1_izgjzns wrote

Feels like a PR stunt but it’s pretty adorable none the less.

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Slevinkellevra710 t1_izgpsq4 wrote

Are you suggesting that unicorns don't exist? How dare you!

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iiiBansheeiii t1_izic3l3 wrote

I think the implication is that Madeline doesn't exist. But I could be wrong.

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3rdeyeopenwide t1_izijz64 wrote

Wow I didn’t expect a turn down that avenue of thought. I think it’s real. Public servants could be criticized for being poor stewards of tax dollars by making a unicorn license but they’ll be told to lighten up. If they concocted the entire girl and letter just to publicize their reply, it becomes scandalous.

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masterpierround t1_izj3jkv wrote

There’s no way Madeline doesn’t exist. That would be way too risky. Most likely they get this type of letter a lot, and choose to publicize their response for a bit of good PR. More cynically, Madeline might have had a bit of help from her parents in crafting the letter.

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SkyezOpen t1_izkcef7 wrote

>More cynically, Madeline might have had a bit of help from her parents in crafting the letter.

Could've been a lesson in reaching out to government officials. If Madeline has a question or concern in the future, she already knows to contact someone.

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BaconSquared t1_izi0fcq wrote

I'm down for true feel good no negatives pr

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BackwardPalindrome t1_izigoue wrote

The idea that there's something wrong with doing a sweet, good thing because it gives a company or government good publicity sucks. I understand many governments whitewash, but I just wanna feel uplifted every now and then.

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Aether_Breeze t1_izj4nfk wrote

I mean they 100% knew it would be good PR for them, but the little girl doesn't know or care about that and it will no doubt have made her day/week/year.

Same way many people give to charity in order to make themselves feel good...but as long as that money is helping people what does it matter.

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Asymptote_X t1_izjsef2 wrote

>Feels like a PR stunt

Lol what else would it be?

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hexiron t1_izkwpwh wrote

A genuinely nice act. Animal Control and Department of Fish and Wildlife are generally really kind people that care about their jobs, not politics like other government departments.

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Erinalope t1_izk15f2 wrote

“California” “RAINbow”, wow way to set this girl up for failure. Only thing rarer in Cali than a unicorn. \s

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doihaveto9 t1_izj8kau wrote

What's a moonbeam?

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Rick_the_Rose t1_izkmry2 wrote

A silvery beam of pale light shines down in a 5-foot radius, 40-foot-high Cylinder centered on a point within range. Until the spell ends, dim light fills the Cylinder.

When a creature enters the spell's area for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it is engulfed in ghostly flames that cause searing pain, and it must make a Constitution saving throw. It takes 2d10 radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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DancingYetiCrab t1_izjwwt8 wrote

Animal control doesn't get to determine what animals are allowed in CA. That falls to the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. A cute story nonetheless. Good job LA animal control.

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Todd-The-Wraith t1_izkerab wrote

Let’s wait and see if CA DFW sends a cease and desist letter to animal control and a letter explaining to the child why her license is null and void.

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