Amber Heard to plead not guilty to smuggling dogs into Australia and is ‘looking forward’ to fighting charges

Charged: Amber Heard (pictured with husband Johnny Depp) will fight dog smuggling charges
Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby7 December 2015
The Weekender

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Amber Heard will plead not guilty to charges that she illegally brought her pet dogs into Australia.

The A-list actress and wife of Johnny Depp has said that she is ‘looking forward’ to fighting the charges that have been brought against her.

In a statement released through her lawyers, the 29-year-old also admitted that she had been ‘willing’ to attend court but had been told that there was ‘no necessity’ to do so.

She said: “My decision to defend these charges, as will become apparent in the appropriate forum of the court, is not intended to in any way diminish the importance of Australia's laws.

"I look forward to attending the hearing of these matters … 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.”

The actress has confirmed her willingness to testify and her lawyers indicated that her husband Depp may also appear although he did not “wish his presence to be disruptive of this court.”

Heard has been accused of violating Australia’s biosecurity laws by smuggling pet dogs Pistol and Boo into the country last May.

The actress allegedly brought the animals into the country via her private jet while visiting Depp on the set of the new Pirates of the Caribbean film.

The case has been adjourned by Gold Coast magistrate Joan White until December 15 when a date for trial will be set.

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