IN DEPP S**T

     I normally don't write about celebrity b.s. in this blog because I feel you can get that crap right on TMZ's website. This story has been in the news for the past few weeks, though, and I feel it's a bit unfair for the celebrity in question. I'm talking about Oscar nominee and legendary actor Johnny Depp and his puppies. 

     So, a couple of weeks ago, a story came out that Depp brought his puppies with him to Australia, but the Australian government is saying he did not claim them on his customs forms and since they were smuggled in, the pets would have to be put down. Before the Australian government could do anything to his dogs, Depp flew the two pups home before they were put down. Now, Depp could get up to 10 years in an Australian prison for illegally bringing his dogs with him to Australia. Um, last I checked, Johnny Depp was not a resident of Australia. How is he supposed to know their laws? I didn't even know you weren't allowed to bring dogs into another country without claiming them on your customs forms. Then again, I wouldn't be bringing my pet with me to another country either.

     Johnny Depp, who has been Down Under filming the latest Pirates' flick, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, landed in hot water earlier this month for bringing his two Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo, into the country via his private jet. By not declaring his pets to customs upon his arrival since he did fly privately, he broke Australia's quarantine laws. Their what? Australian Quarantine laws are controlled at Australia's borders and minimize the risk of exotic pests and diseases to protect Australia's agriculture industries and environment. I highly doubt these two little Yorkies carried any diseases since their household pets, but I guess a law is a law no matter who you are. 

     An Australian senate committee confirmed on Monday that the movie star could receive a maximum fine of AU $340,000, which is equivalent to $265,000 US, and up to 10 years in an Australian prison. The pilot who flew Depp into the country could also face up to two years behind bars for his role in illegally transporting the dogs into the country. That is pretty unfair. You would think Johnny Depp killed someone, when all he did was bring his household pets with him to his movie set. Maybe the Australian Government hated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? It makes no sense. I mean I get the whole Quarantine Law thing, but the minute the guy realized it was a law, he flew the dogs home and he's paying a pretty hefty fine of $265,000. Now, you want to put him behind bars for 10 years? That is ridiculous! Depp is 51-years-old. That means, he will be 61-years-old when he gets out. Not good for us movie fans!

     Government officials first became aware that Depp had smuggled his dogs into Australia after their visit to a local groomming salon, which the store's owners publicized on Facebook. Well, that was pretty stupid! The country's farm minister warned the actor two weeks ago that he must have his dogs sent back to the United States or risk having them quarantined or put down. Depp quickly complied and had the pair flown out the country a day later. I see no harm and no foul here. What's with the jail sentence? The guy is going to pay the fine because I'm sure he can afford it. 10 years is a bit harsh of a sentence. What do you think?