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Australia drops charges over Amber Heard
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
The Hollywood couple have apologised for their actions.

Illegally took dogs into country with husband Johnny Depp
 
An Australian court has dropped charges against actress Amber Heard for illegally taking her dogs into the country.

Ms Heard, who is married to actor Johnny Depp, pleaded guilty to falsifying customs paperwork about her Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo.

But the Queensland judge gave her a one-month good behaviour bond of $1,000 with no conviction and a glowing character assessment.

The Hollywood couple apologised for their actions in a video in which Amber says: “I am truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared, protecting Australia is important.”

When Ms Heard first arrived in Brisbane by private jet last year (21 April) she ticked a box on her passenger arrival card which indicated that she did not have any animals.

The story hit the headlines after the couple visited a local grooming parlour, which subsequently posted a picture on Facebook.

Australia’s agriculture minister warned that the dogs would be euthanised unless they left the country within two days.

The dogs later returned to the US, but the couple were warned that if the case went to court, Amber could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.

Image (C) YouTube/Australian Government of Agriculture and Water Resources.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.