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Johnny Depp could face prison over dog imports
Johnny Depp
Australia's agriculture minister warned the dogs would be euthanised unless they left the country within two days.

Actor failed to declare two dogs on entering Australia

Johnny Depp could face up to 10 years in prison and a heavy fine after illegally importing his two dogs into Australia.

Earlier this month, the Pirates of the Caribbean star flew to Australia on a private jet, to film the fifth instalment of the series, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

The actor entered the country without declaring his two Yorkshire terriers Boo and Pistol, breaking the country's stringent quarantine laws, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

This appears to have come to light after the dogs visited a local grooming parlour, which subsequently posted a picture on their Facebook page.

The story made headlines when Australia's agriculture minister warned the dogs would be euthanised unless they left the country within two days.

The dogs have since returned to the US, but according to the Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian senate committee was told if the case goes to court, Depp could face a lengthy prison sentence and maximum fines of AU$340,000 (£172,000). The pilot could also face two years in prison.

 

Image attribution: Everett Collection/Shutterstock.com

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.