The battle for their beloved dogs is far from over as Amber Heard, Johnny Depp's wife, instructed her lawyer to a not guilty plea.
According to NY Daily News, Heard made an announcement Monday that she will fight the charges that she smuggled the couple's Yorkshire terriers Pistol and Boo into Australia.
It can be recalled that in July, Heard was charged with two counts of illegally importing dogs in Australia and another count for presenting false document to quarantine officials. If found quilty, she could face heavy fines not to mention up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Part of her statement says, "Whilst I am unable to comment on the specific matters before the Court I would like to say that I respect the importance of Australia's laws. My decision to defend these charges, as will become apparent in the appropriate forum of the Court, is not intended in any way to diminish the importance of Australia's laws."
The Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper said Heard's lawyer asked that the trial date be moved up to early next year but it is unclear whether Depp would also be present in the court during the trial. However, Heard did not show up at the Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland state for the latest hearing but it was reported that the case was adjourned unti the Dec. 15. No further details had been released regarding the hearing as yet.
The newspaper adds that the couple seems to be using their celebrity power to have an early hearing next year but it remains to be seen. Apparently, the listings are already full according to Magistrate Joan White.
Australia is known to have a strict quarantine regulations to be able to prevent diseases such as rabies from spreading to its shorts. When bringing pets into the countrty, one must apply a permit and quarantine at least 10 days prior to arrival.
