Johnny Depp may face 10-year jail for taking his dogs to Australia

The incident highlights tough biosecurity laws in Australia

Update: 2015-05-27 02:04 GMT
Hollywood actor Johnny Depp
Los Angeles: Hollywood actor Johnny Depp could be facing jail time over his decision to illegally bring his two dogs into Australia. An Australian Senate committee said if the matter goes to court and the Pirates of the Caribbean star is found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in jail or a maximum fine of $265,000, reported People magazine. 
 
Depp, 51, landed in hot water earlier this month after flying into Australia on a private jet with his Yorkshire Terriers — Pistol and Boo — breaking the country’s strict quarantine laws. 
 
According to the reports, investigation found that Depp, his fellow passengers and the flight crew did not declare the dogs’ presence, and they were only discovered after the pups were taken to a local groomer and photos were posted on social media. 
 
The Australian minister for agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, then threatened to have the Yorkies euthanised unless they were flown out of the country within 50 hours. The incident highlights tough biosecurity laws in Australia, which has had no reported cases of canine-borne disease rabies. But it may threaten the future of a production worth $250 million. 

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