Yesterday, we heard about how Amber Heard was charged by the Australian Department of Agriculture for her role in Terriergate. She and Johnny Depp smuggled Pistol and Boo on a private jet into Australia. The Minister of Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, threatened to put the dogs down unless Johnny took them back stateside. Amber called Joyce a fame seeker and said that she and Johnny would avoid Australia in the future.
They can’t avoid Australia, it seems. Johnny’s still filming Pirates 5, and Amber joined her rogue husband. She was slapped with a summons and then formally charged. Media outlets would love to know why Johnny gets off scot free, but his bride will pay the price for dog smuggling:
Amber Heard, the actor and wife of Johnny Depp, has been charged with illegally bringing the couple’s dogs to Australia — an incident that captured global attention after the nation’s agriculture minister ordered the animals to be removed from the country or be destroyed.
Heard was charged this week with two counts of illegally importing the dogs, named Pistol and Boo, into Australia and one count of producing a false document, the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions said on Thursday.
The importation charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of AUS$102,000 (£s;48,000). The false document charge, which relates to information on an incoming passenger card, carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of AU$10,200.
Heard was issued a summons to appear in a Queensland court on 7 September. Her lawyers could petition the court to appear on her behalf, but given the seriousness of the charge, it is likely she will need to appear in person, particularly if she is in Australia at that time, said Bill Potts, a criminal defence lawyer based in the Queensland capital, Brisbane.
[Barnaby] Joyce dismissed suggestions on Thursday that charging Heard put Australia in a bad light. “The law is the same for everybody,” he told reporters in the western city of Perth. “There is no preferential treatment here. You come into our nation, you have to abide by biosecurity protocols.”
The prosecutor’s office would not answer questions about why Depp was not charged, citing the ongoing nature of the case. The Department of Agriculture, which conducted the investigation, also declined to comment, saying the decision on charges was up to prosecutors.
[From The Guardian]
I can’t help but get a kick out of Amber having to show up in court to talk about why she and Johnny thought they were above the law. But it bothers me (a lot) that Amber will stand on her own when she had a co-conspirator. Australia is very serious about their biosecurity. They require a strict quarantine of 10 days upon arrival and a permit application. Perhaps Amber was the only one who signed the false document, or perhaps Barnaby Joyce really is upset at the fame seeker comment.
Photos courtesy of WENN
She is the one who brought the dogs into the country. He was already in Australia when she arrived with the dogs and she signed all the paperwork.
Yup.
I thought they came at the same time.
Maybe they will charge him after he’s done with the movie. IDK, I just hope this sobers him up and gets him to get his act together.
Yup. It comes down to who actually brought the dogs in. She did. Still not sure charging her is the right way to go – they could’ve just levied a hefty fine, but whatever, it’s their call.
There was a massive press stink about it so the Aussie gov has to be seen to be doing something about it – particularly as they are both high profile people. Her recent remarks wouldn’t have helped the situation.
They broke the law and then lied about it – criminal offence no matter who and where you are. No exceptions should be made because he’s Jonny Depp.
Hey, fair enough if a fine isn’t the usual punishment. I certainly don’t disagree with the reason behind the law in the first place. Hawaii has quarantine laws in place for the same reason.
The outcome will most likely be a fine, but I believe this is the process they have to go through.
Betti,
“There was a massive press stink about it so the Aussie gov has to be seen to be doing something about it –”
There is also the long memory Australians have about the multiple disasters they have had to deal with on account of the introduction of non-native species to the native ecology.
Yep don’t sign documents falsely if you don’t want to end up in court.
Exactly. She also signed the forms
Her name is the one on the forms. Not Johnny’s. That’s why. Stupid, yes. But they don’t have any reason to charge Johnny at this point.
Oh, that makes perfect sense. If she signed the forms, it doesn’t really matter if he agreed in spirit or some such thing.
Partly because Australia is a super mysoginistic society.
Last I recall Australia has had a female prime minister. Can America claim that?
um no Australia isn’t Katarina. i say that as an Australian. she’s charged because SHE brought them in and SHE forged the documents. Depp was already here.
No, they arrived together. She arrived with him after his hand surgery in LA
But Johnny carried (and still has) a very notorious splint on his right hand. He arrived with his hand yet wrapped up, etc. I think it’s possible she filled the form for both and that’s the excuse to charge her and not him, other than the fact that she pissed them off and that must be the real reason
There is no “conspiracy” liability for most crimes or misdemeanors. For example, if two people are in the car, and the driver is caught speeding, only the driver gets the ticket. The passenger won’t be ticketed even if they were pressuring the driver to go faster. Here, Amber brought the dogs in and signed the forms and is therefore the responsible person.
I think it’s because she bought them in and also owns them???
Or it could be that the bread winner is this duo is Johnny Depp and they can’t risk him going to jail or something. Plus I think you are not allowed to enter Australia if you have a criminal record but not sure.
The criminal record thing is ironic, since that’s where England sent all of theirs.
How do they justify their behavior? It was clearly illegal, and that “false document” sounds like she was trying to get away with pulling a fast one. I think it’s refreshing that they don’t get a pass (* cough * Lindsay).
I agree that it’s refreshing that the celebs among us may be charismatic and beautiful, yet are mortal and accountable. Legal issues are intense wake-up calls and I hope this sends a message to the “special people”.
I thought that the dogs arrived with both of them – when he eventually returned to the Pirates set after going AWOL.
I would imagine she’s being charged as it’s her name on any documentation or that they are registered to her. The charges related to falsified documents – could be anything for fudging dates to changing names.
You sign a customs declaration which has specific questions on it…so she clearly lied
Go Aussies!!!!!
No one is above the law
We have this mentality in Australia, based on the principle of egalitarianism. The importance of egalitarianism is similar to the importance the U.S has with the concept of freedom.
This can be clearly seen in the “tall poppy syndrome. ” It means that we are all the same. If you act like you are better then the rest of us, we will cut you down to size.
Welcome to Australia Amber.
I don’t see why they can’t settle this with a substantial donation made by Heard and Depp to the Australian Humane Society. This would benefit a lot of animals and end this whole dreary mess. The dogs were removed after all within the 72 hour deadline. If this is offered, Australia should take it, and obviously their swift and firm reaction to this case will serve as a detriment to anyone else trying to sneak in their pets.
Because that’s bribery. They should put her through the system like any other person. I’m sure she will get a slap on the wrist.
No because that would encourage rich people to believe they an break the law as there would only be a fine when caught. A fine means nothing to them. These laws exist for good reason and anyone who breaks them needs the penalty of criminal conviction and the consequences associated with that. Anything less is an insult to justice and a danger to those who’ll be affected by future law breaks.
Exactly …in London we have terrible trouble with illegal parking and all these zillionaires just pay the fine and carry on…even when clamped the hired help sorts it out….
Just a minor of example of the Old US Lena Helmsley ..’taxes are for little people’ attitude
I hope apart from a hefty fine she has to attend and it would be wonderful if she was given a sentence as she obviously is not sorry and is an entitled bratty gold digger
It’s called biosecurity! We have had entire industries crippled during outbreaks of diseases such as equine influenza (which was a non issue in Australia until that point). We don’t want careless idiots bringing in diseases we have kept out to date, and we have enough concerns with frightening diseases like Hendra and the resulting vaccination debate (which is not about vax vs anti vaxxers but the intense push from vets when the drug is not yet registered). I loved Amber in The Rum Diary but she was asking for trouble with her foolish and disrespectful attitude. The laws are there for a reason. If you don’t like them, stay out of our country.
Yes, we don’t want rabies here!
I couldn’t agree more! Maybe it is the island mentality, but we do have a much greater chance than most countries to stop the spread of disease and it is our duty to protect our environment. I have absolutely no sympathy for Amber.
Maybe because that’s NOT the law. If you’re going to visit another country and don’t want to end up in court, then follow their laws. And, don’t lie about it on government forms. These two are not above the law just because they’re Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. No preferential treatment. Her comments didn’t help either, because she just came off as an arrogant and entitled rich brat who thought she was above the law and lashed out when she had to face the consequences.
Yes as other have said – its bribery. Plus, if Ambers dogs had caused a biosecurity issue it would be the Australian government paying for a solution (via tax payers) so screw the AHS or whatever.
They might have removed the dogs within the deadline but by that stage Amber had already broken the law, she had lied on a legal document (customs declaration). She has been charged for that and rightfully so.
I believe if the Depps had just taken the punishment without as much fuss then likely the whole issue wouldn’t have been in the media as much and it was. The charges are likely just the politicians scrambling for some brownie points.
She is the registered owner of the dogs.. I think I recall reading them saying that they were upset too because they had made some allowances to the movie to bring in the monkeys. I don’t know why there are people upset with Australia. They have wild animals in their country. A rabies epidemic could be horrible. I also think that Amber’s comments acting as if these rules and their stance was ridiculous sure didn’t help matters. She was very arrogant in that interview.
This is an example of why Americans are getting such a negative reputation. This Country has a right to enforce its established laws. And anyone visiting must respect those laws.
Apparently recently there has been a banana blight brought in too..I am surprised it was missed as those customs dogs can sniff out most things at airports.!!!..it is the private aircraft that has caused the issue ..she lied on the declaration and should be brought to account..
One dog is hers the other is Lily Rose’s apparently …but they come as a pair and she is the responsible party in this case
BINGO.
Wow, Johnny in that photo. He looks like he is being led by a nurse. I like him. I hope he is getting his shit together.
sad but true.
Right? It looks like a granddaughter helping out her peepaw. He looks… addled.
Umm maybe because they are her dogs and she is the one who filled the documentation saying there are no dogs on the planesince Johnny’s hand was injured . It’s that simple.
Exactly just like the U.S. There is a Customs Declaration and you sign to say certain things ..She lied on that form and it is clear
One dog is apparently his daughters but I guess they come as a pair
Barnaby Joyce, pissed off or not, cannot determine who is or is not charged in a criminal investigation. That’s not how democratic countries work.
It is not entirely him and he has a legitimate right in this,no matter what you think of some of what he said.There is a blight on banana trees in Aussie now because some twat brought in a banana and thought it was OK
He is the Government representative on these matters
This is why I don’t like Amber Heard. It is bad enough that she can’t act, but she thinks that just because you are a celebrity that she can come to a country that hold an upmost strict regulation serious to the problem of wild lif that can be beneficial to the animals but to you as a human being, and have the gall to think that you are above the law. The Aussies are very right to slap her with a charge. You Arrongant piece of trash
You said it..!!
exactly!! arrogant!! she always act like shes someone sooo special, cause Depp choose her!! well we dont know his reason, but its certainly not for her talent skill, charisma, subtility … She has nothing except her beauty! And the fact that she always complain about her beauty and how she dont get great role… ITS BECAUSE YOU CANT ACT!!!!!!!Her big mouth make her less beautiful!!! how can she talks like there is no great role in Hollywood for pretty girl, when you have great-young-talented actress like Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, Emma Watson…many more who have great role and career!!! she gets what she deserves!
Exactly.
It’s beyond me why anybody should ‘get upset with Australia’, it’s their country they are entitled to enforce their own laws, particularly given the delicate and unique nature of their ecology. I think they’ve been very fair and certainly mature in their refusal to be swayed by the ‘celebrity’ thing, good on em (still hope we win the cricket though!)
Completely agree with you… Except I hope we (Australia) win the cricket. Watching it right now… Waiting for Steve Smith to make 200 before bed time 🙂
Never thought I’d talk cricket on here! Love it!
May the best team win (and our are so basically crap it probably will be you lot!)
He made 200!
I love cricket…and the Ashes. I need to find a link…
Where are you from Robin?? Nice to see someone else loving the cricket and especially the Ashes! Cricket’s the best game in the world 🙂 and Aussie Rules footy! Haha
Total agreement.
Joyce cannot file charges, it is up to the Prosecutor’s Office, and they’ve an open and shut case.
Dogs snuggled into the country, and lying on official papers.
I know you meant smuggled, but it’s so adorable and probably true that they were ‘snuggled’ in.
They were snuggled when smuggled.
I bet if they could talk they would be asking for political asylum due to being overwhelmed by scarfs!!!
I don’t care if Barnaby Joyce is a twat. He’s absolutely right – Australia has a unique ecosystem that must be stringently protected. Rich movie stars should be treated the same as anyone else, and sadly, it is important to make an example of Heard and Depp because there are an awful lot of “plebes” who actually pay attention to and copy celebrities. That is the LAST thing Australia and its environment need!
Let the prosecutors do their job and sort this mess out in court. And thank God Australia has a government that takes environmental concerns seriously. It is a gorgeous country, and we have enough places in the world we humans already ruined!
Off to show my Cavalier again! It’s only going to be 99 degrees today, but the NRG Arena seems to have decent A/C, thank God. Have a great day, Celebitches!
Think of the insects from Asian massively killing off trees in the US. We take very little care in what gets shipped here.
Plus Northern Snakeheads from China showing up in North American river systems and decimating native fish populations.
Ooh, a Cavalier! I am jealous.
It will be interesting to see this charge played out. Amber committed a serious crime by smuggling the dogs in and lying on the documents. I imagine she is likely ignorant of biosecurity, or maybe she just doesn’t care. A pox on her, I say!
My husband and I always wanted to volunteer for england but they had a 6 month quarrantine in effect for dogs at the time and we refused to put our beloved lab through it. Six months is a long time in dog time. That is one scared, tired pup amber is holding.
Things have changed quite a bit with pet passports. There is a very ingrained fear of rabies in the UK, especially among people like me who love dogs and were raised in port towns. When I was a kid there were loads of signs around warning about rabies and asking us to keep an eye out for people who might be smuggling pets in, particularly on private yachts. Then they went and did a mini series about a rabies outbreak in the UK and I couldn’t sleep for a week. There you go, my childhood fears, rabies, nuclear war and the IRA. One generation later and teenagers have a completely new set of fears.
Good for Australia for not bowing down. I hope the publicity teaches and prevents other outsiders from doing the same.
Throw the book at her!
I think either Johnny or someone in Johnny’s camp set Amber up. Who would fly into a country knowing charges are pending? Her ‘rogue’ husband has been ducking and hiding from her for a while. He lured her there knowing she was in some big trouble. It’s too good.
Why would he set her up? Even if she didn’t reenter the country it wouldn’t change that she broke law back in May. The Australian government would have just publicly demand she come back to face her charges and if she tried never return she’d mostly be a fugitive. If JD wants to get rid of her, he’d simply have to divorce her and she’d be sent back to obscurity she came from.
What’s next, are you going to accuse him of making her forge the document? Or that he made her say those shady comments about that Joyce guy and Australia? Amber maybe younger than him, but she is still a grown up who made her own decisions and has to face up to them.
Because of a couple of blind items that his friends warned him not to marry her, and he did, and he’s been hiding out at Marilyn Mansons when he’s not on set and she’s calling all around trying to track him down. He wants out. He could have said “oh I’m responsible” and saved his wife from going through this but you haven’t heard a peep out of Johnny.
@jess: How do know he isn’t doing everything possible to help her? Because he’s not fueling more attention and interest in this story by making a public statement? Besides, since she forged the documents even if he wanted to take the fall he couldn’t because she’s the one that falsified them, so the government’s’ going after her.
Jess, you do understand that the law doesn’t allow you to take responsibility for another person’s crimes? If she lied on official documents she broke the law. If he threatened her if she refused to sign it then you have a point, but otherwise she is an adult and responsible for her own actions.
These are some of most asinine comments I’ve ever read.
LMAO! Haven’t heard the the word asinine in a while. Thank you, I’ll begin using it again. Oh, and you’re right.
One of my favourites!
To Amber and Johnny: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
To Australia: Nicely done!
Thank you Australia. Many countries have rules that are strict about plant life, seeds, etc.
This gave me some hope
Maybe because he’s way too drunk to even say something on the matter and, ever since it happened, she’s the one making all of the displays all of “intelligence” and “humility” on the issue. The more she talks, the sh*ttier it gets.
A couple questions, cause I haven’t followed super closely:
(1) did the dogs ever get off the plane? And, if the plan was for them to stay on th private plane, what is the problem?
(2) how come certification from a vet that the animal has had all vaccines — including rabies — doesn’t solve the problem? I mean, we are talking about coddled house pets here.
I am not on their side, per se. I have just never understood these quarantine type laws when most pets are going to be vaccinated.
Singtress, in answer of your questions
1) yes the dogs were taken off the plane. they were in the general community and went to a dog groomers which is how they were found out
2) certifications are fine but what if they are wrong? we have strict quarantines regardless of certifications.
our country is rabies free and we would like to keep it that way.
My guess is the falsified document or documents will be the center of the charge/charges. A good lawyer would advise a client to be very humble and honest about it in a genuine way (if possible). A fine, however hefty, is better than prison time. An apology to the Australian people would be nice, too, since it is their country and their laws should be respected by everyone, even famous ones.
She’s too good for him but she will get his money.