“Never Back Down” actress Amber Heard is yet to appear in court for the dog smuggling case. However, she has communicated through her lawyers that she, along with husband and “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Johnny Depp, will fight the charges.

The actress disclosed that her lawyers advised against appearing in court as it was unnecessary. It is believed that Depp will be in the Gold Coast soon as a star witness among 12 individuals the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) called to provide evidence.

According to Huffington Post, three bio-security charges have been filed against Heard in Southport Magistrates Court. The actress refused to comment on specific matters but said that she respects Australian 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,” a statement released by Heard’s lawyers shared. Heard is also facing a charge for falsifying documents.

The two Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo, owned by Depp and Heard were threatened to be euthanised by then Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce lest they spread diseases. As per the charges, the celebrity couple smuggled the dogs in a private jet to Queensland in May without undergoing quarantine and through falsifying documents. Heard took the dogs back to the US shortly afterward.

For the first time, a statement was provided by Heard’s lawyers, stating that the actress is ready to fight the charges. The lawyers signalled Heard’s intention to not plead guilty. They have also requested a five-day trial early next year, reports Sydney Morning Herald.

“Today, I instructed my lawyers to enter not guilty pleas on my behalf,” read the statement issued by Heard’s law firm Ashurst. Heard has also stated that she would return to Australia in person to fight the charges.

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