Brilio.net/en - Its been an apology a long time in the making. A somber faced Johnny Depp and his wife, fellow actress Amber Heard recorded a one-minute long video apologizing to the good people of Australia after they illegally smuggled their two pet Terriers into the country while Depp was filming a Pirated of the Caribbean movie. The apology however, has the internet commenting on how genuine. A stone faced Johnny Depp looks like hes auditioning for a Godfather remake while his partner looks rather sarcastically into the camera.
As a refresher for those that have better things in their daily lives than to follow the hectic routines pets, Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to have the dogs euthanised after the couple arrived via a private jet late last year, and gave the two pups 72-hours before they would be put down. "Mr. Depp needs to take his dogs back to California, or we're going to have to euthanize them," Joyce said at the time.
It may seem a little harsh for your average pet laws, but Australia is notorious for protecting its own species against foreign invaders, even if they are cute faced Terriers. As Heard said in the apology video: "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." Depp continued on to say: "Australians are just as unique, both warm and direct. When you disrespect Australian law, they will tell your firmly. "
The young actress was at the heart of the incident as she appeared to have misfiled some forms upon arrival, believing her assistants had taken care of the necessary paperwork.
The illegal import of animals carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of 102,000 Australian dollars ($75,000); the false document charge has a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a fine of 10,200 Australian dollars ($7,500).
Depp was not charged over the incident but accompanied his wife to appear at the Southport Magistrates Court on the Gold Coast where they received a red carpet-like reception.
The couple got the pups out just in time. "If we start letting movie stars even though they've been the sexiest man alive twice to come into our nation (with pets), then why don't we just break the laws for everybody?" Joyce said at the time. "It's time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States."
(brl/red)
