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Johnny Depp could get up to 10 years in jail .. because of his dogs?

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  • DesmondHM
    2015-05-26 06:33:37 PM
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    This story is ridiculous. No way they could really do it. But Australia is pissed at Johnny Depp for violating their strict policies about not declaring animals brought into their country. Apparently Depp flew in his two Yorkshire terriers, named 'Pistol' and 'Boo', on his private jet into Australia without letting the country know about them first.

    Reports are saying that authorities are 'very serious' about justice in this situation, and the punishment limits are no joke, and very steep --- Depp could get up to 10 years in prison, or a maximum fine to as much as $340,000. The pilot of the private jet can also face up to 2 years in prison.

    Depp obviously is rich and can just pay whatever fine, if it ever comes down to that, before spending a single night in prison. But the simple fact that they would consider that penalty is nuts to me, for Depp or any regular citizen, it seems waayyyy over the top.

    But for the pilot, this is more serious, as he is NOT Johnny Depp, and just a regular guy. I seriously hope he doesn't have to serve any time. Do you know how small Yorkshire terriers are?? What's the big deal? Apparently, it's a 'very big deal'. The Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to have Depp's two Yorkshire terriers put down after they were illegally brought into the country, if they didn't leave within 2 days.

    Weird story, man. Depp has been there for a bit filming another Pirates movie. I doubt he will ever want to go back, and I don't blame him. What the hell AU?
  • PDX
    2015-05-28 12:21:17 AM
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    This is a weird story, but I do wonder why Depp felt like he could skirt Australian law. Being rich doesn't mean you get to ignore laws (at least in theory) and I have no doubt he was aware of the law banning people from bringing foreign animals into Australia.

    I also think Barnaby Joyce, the Australian Minister of Agriculture, is making such a big deal out of this to get his fifteen seconds of fame and not out of genuine concern for the rule of law in Australia.

    Depp will probably wind up paying a paltry fine and issuing a public apology. I honestly don't see him or his pilot winding up behind bars in an Australian prison for this, but stranger things have happened!
  • jarhead83
    2015-05-28 01:05:21 AM
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    PDX Wrote: Depp will probably wind up paying a paltry fine and issuing a public apology. I honestly don't see him or his pilot winding up behind bars in an Australian prison for this, but stranger things have happened!
    Yea, I agree. I'm sure this will all be swept under the rug after Depp pays a fine and promises to never do it again.
  • Whovian
    2015-05-28 01:12:38 AM
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    There is reason for the law, though. Invasive species to a foreign ecosystem is SERIOUS. The rat population in Australia is out of control and they were introduced by stowing away on ships. They cause millions of dollars of damage every year. They US is battling their own problem when it comes to invasive species as well. And most invasive species are introduced by people smuggling in exotic pets to sell to collectors. Collectors then lose them or let them go because they can't properly take care of the animals.

    I'm not saying the penalty isn't excessive, but it is indeed a serious crime. Smuggling exotic animals into countries is a big business and it is possible that some kind of example will be made in this high profile case.

    Or, it could just be a slap on the wrist. I'm sure Depp wasn't trying to smuggle animals, and maybe he just didn't know protocol.
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