Johnny Depp and Amber Heard News: Couple Issues Apology over Violating Australia's Quarantine Laws
Johnny Depp and wife Amber Heard issued an apology via a video for failing to enlist their two Yorkshire terriers properly when they arrived in Australia last year.
In the video, which was released by the Australian government, Heard says how sorry she is that her two Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo, were not declared as protecting Australia is important.
"Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and people… Australia is free of many pests and diseases that are commonplace around the world. That is why Australia has to have such strong biosecurity laws," Heard can be heard saying.
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Meanwhile, Depp added weight to his wife's statement as he says:
"Australians are just as unique, both warm and direct. When you disrespect Australian law, they will tell you firmly… declare everything when you enter Australia."
An Australian court spared Heard from a conviction over a dog-smuggling case earlier this week after pleading guilty to knowingly producing a false or misleading document. The two other earlier filed charges against her for illegally importing her dogs were dismissed. However, a judge provided her a one-month good behaviour bond with no conviction recorded. If she acts contrary to what the bond demands, she will be compelled to pay $770.
As the court's verdict was being read, the couple were seen embracing each other.
Heard brought the two dogs to Australia in May 2015 to visit Depp, who was then filming the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The presence of the dogs in the Land Down Under got the attention of the authorities when a local dog groomer posted their pictures on social media.
Heard had earlier pleaded guilty to declaring "No" on her immigration card section that asked if she was bringing anything into Australia, including animals. The lawyer of the couple defended Heard for the act as he allegedly thought that her husband's assistants had already ironed out the necessary documents for the dogs.
Australian laws prohibit live animals and plants, plant material, animal products and some food from overseas, unless the government permits, as they can introduce some of the world's most serious pests and diseases to the country.
