Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp and his wife Amber Heard have apologised for failing to declare their two Yorkshire terriers properly when entering Australia in 2015.
The couple made the solemn plea in a video posted online over the incident.
However, Heard was given a one-month good behaviour bond sentence over the dog-smuggling saga by an Australian court on Monday.
The sentence was given after she pleaded guilty to knowingly producing a false or misleading document, while two other charges of illegally importing her dogs were dismissed.
In the apology video released by the Australian government, a stony-faced Heard, who sat beside her husband, expressed guilt over the incident and noted that keeping Australia protected is the most important thing to do.
The actress said she is very sorry that “Pistol and Boo (the dogs) were not declared” at the point of entering the country.
She stressed that, “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,” she added.
In his remarks, Depp said “Australians are just as unique, both warm and direct. When you disrespect Australian law, they will tell you firmly.”
He advised viewers to “declare everything when you enter Australia.”
