California girl licensed to own unicorn — if she finds one

Category: Human Interest

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. bureaucracy / byʊˈrɒk rə si / (n.) – official rules and processes that make it complicated to get something done
    Example:

    The mayor promised to eliminate bureaucracy during his term.


  2. strings attached / strɪŋz əˈtæʧt / (idiom) – involving special requirements or demands
    Example:

    Exclusive business deals come with strings attached.


  3. mythical / ˈmɪθ ɪ kəl / (adj.) – imaginary or unreal
    Example:

    The movie was about mythical monsters living in a forest.


  4. emblazon / ɛmˈbleɪ zən / (v.) – to print on a surface so it can be seen clearly
    Example:

    His name was emblazoned on the sword.


  5. medallion / məˈdæl yən / (n.) – a metal disk with a chain that is worn around the neck
    Example:

    I received a medallion because I won first prize in a contest.


Article

Read the text below.

A girl named Madeline, with a vivid imagination and remarkable awareness of how bureaucracy can dash dreams, got her wish when she asked Los Angeles animal control authorities for a license to own a unicorn — if she’s able to find one.


The first-of-its-kind permit came with strings attached, however: The mythical creature must be provided ample exposure to sunlight, moonbeams and rainbows and have its horn polished at least once a month with a soft cloth.


Director Marcia Mayeda of the county Department of Animal Care and Control sent the girl a heart-shaped, rose-colored metal tag with “Permanent Unicorn License” emblazoned on it, along with a white fuzzy unicorn doll with pink ears, purple hooves and a silver horn.


The department’s response came after the girl wrote it a brief letter: “Dear LA County, I would like your approval if I can have a unicorn in my backyard if I can find one.”


Mayeda commended the girl for her “sense of responsible pet ownership to seek permission in advance” and for thoughtfully considering “the requirements of providing a loving home to animals.”


The agency posted images of the correspondence, the license, the medallion and the stuffed toy on its social media accounts, with the girl’s last name obscured.


Its five conditions for unicorn ownership also require that any sparkles or glitter sprinkled on the animal be nontoxic and biodegradable, and that it be fed watermelon at least once a week.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The Department of Animal Care and Control gave Madeline a license to own a unicorn, a mythical creature. Why do you think the department did this? What do you think of this action (ex. kind, foolish)? Discuss.
  • What mythical creature did you admire as a child? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think a license to own a pet is necessary? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the qualities of a responsible pet owner? Do you think you are/would be a responsible pet owner? Discuss.