Story highlights
Celebrity couple recorded a video apology heard by the court to express remorse over pet smuggling
Depp's wife brought her two Yorkshire terriers into Australia aboard a private jet last year without declaring them properly
Actress will not have incident on record, given good behavior bond
Actor Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard have issued a somber apology for failing to declare their two Yorkshire terriers properly when entering Australia last year.
Heard was spared a conviction over the dog-smuggling saga by an Australian court Monday afternoon. She pleaded guilty to knowingly producing a false or misleading document, while two other charges of illegally importing her dogs were dismissed.
READ: Australia tells Johnny Depp: It’s time your dogs ‘buggered off’
In the video, released by the Australian government, a stony-faced Heard sits alongside Depp to state she is “truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared. Protecting Australia is important.”
“Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and people,” the actress said.
“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 added: “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.”
READ: 2015: Amber Heard, wife of Johnny Depp, faces charges over Australia dog scandal
War on Terrier
Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, whose threat to have the dogs put down created an international stir, told the ABC he was pleased the video was getting views all around the world.
“What I can say is although I don’t think he’ll get an Academy Award for his performance, the fact that he did it… he looked like he was auditioning for the Godfather,” Joyce said.
“At the end of it we’ve got a message that is going all around the world right now. It’s going off like a frog in a sock telling people that if you come into this nation and you don’t obey our laws, you’re in trouble. That’s what this is about.”
Joyce issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the couple to get the dogs out of the country last year.