Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have issued a video apology for an incident in which they illegally brought their two dogs into Australia, and it seems to have worked in their favor.
“I am truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared,” Heard said of her Yorkshire terriers in the video. “Protecting Australia is important.”
Depp warned, “Declare everything when you enter Australia. Thanks.”
The video was played as part of an Australian court case against Heard for breaking the country’s biosecurity laws. The “Pineapple Express” star was facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, but avoided time behind bars on Monday by pleading guilty in Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland to providing false information on her incoming passenger card.
The New York Times reported prosecutors dropped the more serious charges against Heard for illegally importing the dogs, while the court magistrate gave the actress a one-month good behavior bond sentence. If she breaks the bond, she’ll have to pay a $767 fine.
In May 2015, Heard flew into Australia with Pistol and Boo to visit Depp on the set of “Pirates of the Caribbean 5” but failed to obtain the proper permits for bringing animals into the country as required by law. The government then said that the couple had to get the dogs out of the country or else they would be euthanized.
They flew the dogs back to Los Angeles just ahead of a deadline set by the Australian government, but Heard was still charged with two counts of illegally importing the dogs into Australia.
“Australia is a wonderful island, with a unique treasure trove of unique plants, animals, and people,” Heard said in the video. “It has to be protected,” Depp added.