American actress pleads guilty in Depp dog case

American actress Amber Heard on Monday pleaded guilty to falsifying an Australian immigration document for her and her husband Johnny Depp's two dogs.

Australian prosecutors dropped two charges of illegally importing the Yorkshire terriers Pistol and Boo, which carried a maximum fine of 10 years in prison.

However, the third charge for providing a false document carried a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of more than 10,000 Australian dollars (6,780 euros, $7,650).

This charge was later also dropped after the actress entered her plea and the couple played an apology video for the court. Heard was placed on a good behavior bond of 1,000 Australian dollars.

In 2015, Heard and Depp defied Australia's Quarantine Act that requires dogs entering the country from the US to be declared and spend 10 days in quarantine. Depp was in town for the filming of the fifth installment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film saga.

At the time, then-Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce criticized the actress and actor for bringing the animals into Australia without adhering to the law.

"If we start letting movie stars - even though they've been the sexiest man alive twice - to come into our nation (with pets), then why don't we just break the laws for everybody," said Joyce, who now serves as Australia's deputy prime minister.

"It's time that Pistol and Boo b***ered off back to the United States," Joyce added at the time in comments that were ridiculed by broadcasters and comedians.

The hearing in Southport Magistrates' Court in Queensland was adjourned on Monday in order for the judge to review documents concerning the case.

ls/rc (AFP, AP)