Shame on Australia and Johnny Depp!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I can't imagine anyone traveling with dogs who would not check with the destination country first to see (1) if dogs are even allowed to travel there, and (2) what the regulations are. It's just common sense. I'm sure that Johnny Depp knew better, and just thought he could get away with it. It's not like he's never traveled anywhere else before.

Well, I didn't know, until I knew. Does the United States have lots of rules on this? I know Hawaii does, but that's the only place I've heard about, but you are correct, I know enough to check on this sort of thing. Do we even know if these are his dogs, or are they his new girl friend's dogs? I still think this was a major mistake for Australia and could have been handled differently.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Well, I didn't know, until I knew. Does the United States have lots of rules on this? I know Hawaii does, but that's the only place I've heard about, but you are correct, I know enough to check on this sort of thing. Do we even know if these are his dogs, or are they his new girl friend's dogs? I still think this was a major mistake for Australia and could have been handled differently.

I've only heard about Hawaii, too. And as for foreign countries, I would be so paranoid about Bella being taken from me that I would certainly check first. According to news reports, this kind of incident happens rarely in Australia--most people going to Australia check first. It is, after all, a very long flight and a very long way to be traveling with a dog from most parts of the world. I thought the dogs were Depp's, but I'm not 100% certain. The Australian quarantine minister did a bit of public grandstanding, but I think that was to raise awareness for foreign travelers bringing pets to Australia. He was following Australian laws...

[pstinard]

Here are the US regulations on bringing pets (and other animals) into the US:

Bring pets into the United States

Dogs | Bringing an Animal into U.S. | Animal Importation | CDC

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I've only heard about Hawaii, too. And as for foreign countries, I would be so paranoid about Bella being taken from me that I would certainly check first. According to news reports, this kind of incident happens rarely in Australia--most people going to Australia check first. It is, after all, a very long flight and a very long way to be traveling with a dog from most parts of the world. I thought the dogs were Depp's, but I'm not 100% certain. The Australian quarantine minister did a bit of public grandstanding, but I think that was to raise awareness for foreign travelers bringing pets to Australia. He was following Australian laws...

Wouldn't the airlines inform most people?

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Wouldn't the airlines inform most people?

Probably, but Depp traveled by private jet. I still think that he was trying to pull a fast one on the Australian government and didn't think he would get caught. And, someone in Australian Customs looked the other way, since the dogs had been in Australia for a while before they were discovered. At least they gave Depp a chance to take the dogs back to the US before having them put down. The only thing that bothers me about this incident is that the Australian minister told the dogs to "bugger off" back to the US. That was just plain rude. Like I said, he was grandstanding.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Probably, but Depp traveled by private jet. I still think that he was trying to pull a fast one on the Australian government and didn't think he would get caught. And, someone in Australian Customs looked the other way, since the dogs had been in Australia for a while before they were discovered. At least they gave Depp a chance to take the dogs back to the US before having them put down. The only thing that bothers me about this incident is that the Australian minister told the dogs to "bugger off" back to the US. That was just plain rude. Like I said, he was grandstanding.

I probably should stay out of this argument, I love Johnny!

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I probably should stay out of this argument, I love Johnny!

Oh, Johnny's okay, but even he is not above the law .

Here are Australia's import regulations for dogs. They are quite strict:

Department of Agriculture Category 3: step by step guide for dogs

Introduction

The valid import permit provides the specific conditions for importing your animal. The conditions on the import permit take precedence over any other source of information. The information below is a general guide to assist in the preparation of your animal for export to Australia; it is not a substitute for the import permit.
To be eligible for import, all dogs must be compliant with all the import conditions stated on the valid import permit. All dogs must complete a minimum 10 day period in an Australian quarantine facility.
It is a requirement under Australian legislation that all live animals coming to Australia from category 3 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit.
If an animal arrives in Australia and it does not meet all of the conditions on the accompanying import permit, then it may be returned to the country of export or euthanized at the importer’s expense.
A Government Approved Veterinarian or Official Government Veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed below.
All testing must be conducted in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.
You must contact the competent authority in the country of export to determine which veterinarians and laboratories are approved to prepare your cat for export.
You must contact the competent authority in the country of export to determine if there are any additional export requirements and/or if the country of export has an agreed veterinary health certificate to use in place of the Department of Agriculture’s standard veterinary health certificate.
The Department of Agriculture recommends that you take this information to your Government Approved Veterinarian or pet transport agent to assist you​ with understanding the requirements.
Import conditions stated on the Import Permit must be strictly complied with. Failure to comply with the import conditions on the Import Permit may result in the imported animal being held longer in post entry quarantine, requiring additional testing or subject to re-export. Importers will be charged additional fees for costs associated with managing non-compliant animals.
[hide all]

Step 1: Confirm general eligibility
Timeframe: Before starting the export process

Dogs must not be under quarantine restrictions at the time of export and can only be exported to Australia from an approved country.
Pregnancy: Dogs must not be more than 30 days pregnant nor be suckling young at the time of export.
Dog Breeds: In accordance with the Customs (prohibited imports) Regulations 1956, dogs of the following pure breeds are prohibited and not eligible for import into Australia:
<ul>dogo Argentino; fila Brasileiro; Japanese tosa; American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier; Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
[For information about prohibited dog breeds, contact the Australian Customs by phone: +61 2 6275 6666 or 1300 363 263 (within Australia) or email.]
Hybrids : Any domestic/non-domestic animal hybrids (e.g. wolf-dog crosses) are generally not eligible for import.
[For information about prohibited dog breeds, contact the Department of the Environment on 1800 803 772.]
</ul>
Step 2: Verify existing microchip or implant a new microchip
Timeframe: A microchip must be present before you can start blood sampling for any pre export testing

Dogs must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader.
A Government Approved Veterinarian must scan the microchip at each veterinary visit. The scanned microchip number must be correctly recorded on all documentation.
If the microchip cannot be read or is recorded incorrectly across the dog's documentation, it will not be eligible for import to Australia.

Step 3: Check Rabies Vaccination
Timeframe: Dependent on vaccine validity

Your dog must be vaccinated with an inactivated rabies virus vaccine that:
<ul>was given when the dog was at least 90 days of age; and
is valid, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions at the time of export.
</ul>The rabies vaccine must be approved for use in dogs by the Competent Authority of the country of export.
Three (3) yearly rabies vaccinations are acceptable.
Rabies vaccinations must be administered in an approved country.

[pstinard]

Step 4: Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) test and waiting period
Timeframe: Between 180 days and 24 months before export

For your RNAT test to be valid, the following requirements must be met: Following a rabies virus vaccination, a Government Approved Veterinarian must scan the animal’s microchip and collect a blood sample for the RNAT test.
The blood sample must be drawn in a Department of Agriculture approved country.
The animal’s microchip number must be written on the blood tube and the laboratory submission form.
The testing laboratory must be approved by the Competent Authority in the exporting country. It is acceptable to draw blood in a Department of Agriculture approved country and be tested at a laboratory in a different approved country.
The testing laboratory must use either a fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test or a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT).
The laboratory report must be in English and completed on the testing laboratory’s letterhead. The report must include the animal’s microchip number, the blood sampling date, the signature of the person responsible for issuing the laboratory report, the location where the blood sample was taken, the test type and the test result.
A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable. A result of less than 0.5 IU/ml is not acceptable and in this circumstance you may re-vaccinate and repeat the testing process.
The department recognises the RNAT test result for 24 months from the date of blood sampling to the date of export. The animal must have a valid RNAT test laboratory report at the time of export. If the RNAT test is due to expire (i.e., greater than 24 months old) prior to the date of export, you must have your dog retested prior to the expiry date.
The animal is not eligible for export to Australia until at least one hundred and eighty (180) days have passed from the date that the blood sample is drawn for the RNAT test (with a satisfactory result). There is no requirement for the animal to remain in an approved country during this period.

Step 5: The Official Government Veterinarian must complete the Rabies Vaccination and Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) test declaration
Timeframe: Before applying for the import permit

You must contact an Official Government Veterinarian in the country of export to complete the RNAT test Declaration. This is not the Government Approved Veterinarian (your preparing veterinarian).
You must submit the RNAT test laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate to the Official Government Veterinarian so they can complete the RNAT test Declaration.
The microchip number, test result and blood sampling date must be consistent between the RNAT test laboratory report and RNAT test Declaration.
You must ensure that the completed RNAT test Declaration states the name of the testing laboratory, not the submitting laboratory.

Step 6: Apply and pay for the import permit
Timeframe: After you have received the completed Rabies Vaccination and RNAT test declaration, and at least 42 days prior to proposed date of export.

Please ensure you allow at least 20 working days for the processing and granting of your permit application. It is recommended that you read How to complete the import application before proceeding.
How to apply
You may submit your import permit application, as well as full payment and all supporting documentation by any of the following methods:
<ul>Online application using e-lodge (You must scan and attach all supporting documentation).
Manual application - send a copy of your application and all supporting documentation to:
<li style="list-style-type:none;display:inline;"><ul>Email to Animal and Biological Import Assessments Branch
Fax to +61 2 6272 3110; or
Post to Animal and Biological Import Assessments Branch: GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
</ul></ul>
Additional charges may be applied if information required to assess the application is missing, incorrect or if an application is put on hold.
Import permits are valid for up to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

Step 7: Book tentative post arrival quarantine accommodation at an Australian government quarantine facility and make travel arrangements
Timeframe: After you have received your import permit

See the Australian Post Entry Quarantine Facilities webpage for information on booking quarantine accommodation and arranging transport for your dog(s).
Please also note the following:
The department does not place any restrictions on the airline you choose. However, the animal must travel as "manifested cargo" (not in the cabin) and in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate for dogs.
IATA guidelines can be viewed at Traveller's Pet Corner.
There are animal transport companies in most countries that can make arrangements on your behalf. Visit Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc for a list of animal transport companies worldwide.
The department accepts no responsibility for animals that escape en route, and all transport costs are at the importer's expense.
Transit/Transhipment
The dog may transit (touch down but stay on the same plane) or tranship (change aircraft) in any country en route to Australia.
Dogs transhipped through international airports in non-approved countries must not leave the international side of the airport.
The dog may not be eligible for import if these requirements are not met.
Note: It is the importer’s responsibility to contact the competent authority in the country of transhipment to find out:

- whether they allow animals to tranship
- whether they have a facility to accommodate animals during transhipment
- how long the animals can be held
- any additional conditions that may apply.

[pstinard]

Step 8: Check other vaccinations
Timeframe: Dependent on the validity of your dog’s vaccination and at least 14 days before export

Dogs may be vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola as an alternative to the testing outlined under Step 13. If you choose to do this, dogs must be fully vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola, according to manufacturer’s recommendations (For most vaccines an initial course of two vaccines 2-4 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters), at least 14 days prior to export and the vaccination must be valid at the time of export.
The department recommends that your dog receives a vaccination that protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica and is valid for the entire post-arrival quarantine period.
USA Only: Dogs exported from the USA must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza virus (CIV).
Vaccinations must be administered between 12 months and 14 days before export.
Vaccinations must be valid for the entire quarantine period in Australia.
All vaccinations must be administered in an approved country
Step 9: External parasite treatments
Timeframe: Start external parasite treatment at least 21 days before blood sampling for Ehrlichia canis (Step 10).

A Government Approved Veterinarian must treat the dog with a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before blood collection for Ehrlichia canis antibody testing. Protection from external parasites must be maintained until the time of export, treatments may need to be repeated by the veterinarian in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions .
To calculate 21 days after initial external parasite treatment, the day the treatment is applied must be counted as day 0.
You should discuss suitable external parasite treatments with the Government Approved Veterinarian.
At each subsequent veterinary visit, the Government Approved Veterinarian should thoroughly examine the dog for external parasites. If any fleas or ticks are found from the time of treatment referred to above until export, they must be removed and the preparation must be restarted, including testing for Ehrlichia canis antibodies.
Further information on acceptable treatments.

Step 10: Testing for Ehrlichia canis
Timeframe: Ehrlichia canis blood sampling must occur within 45 days before export

A blood sample collected at least 21 days after external parasite treatment starts (Step 9) and within 45 days before export must be tested for Ehrlichia canis infection by an Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT).
The test must produce a negative result at a dilution of 1:40. Testing done using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will not be accepted.
If external parasite treatments do not provide continuous protection from at least 21 days prior to this testing until the time of export then the test result will be invalidated and must be repeated in accordance with Steps 9 and 10.

Step 11: Testing for Brucella canis (Brucellosis)
Timeframe: Within 45 days before export

If the dog is desexed, no testing for Brucellosis is required (Note: Evidence of desexing may be requested by the Competent Authority in the exporting country or the Department of Agriculture).
OR
A blood sample must be taken by a Government Approved Veterinarian from the dog and tested for Brucella canis using a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), a tube agglutination test (TAT) or an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) within 45 days before export.
The test must produce a negative result.
If the dog returns a positive or inconclusive result please contact the department for further advice.

Step 12: Testing for Leishmania infantum (Leishmaniosis)
Timeframe: Within 45 days before export

A blood sample must be taken by a Government Approved Veterinarian from the dog and tested for Leishmania infantum using either an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) within 45 days before export. The test must produce a negative result.
The test must produce a negative result

Step 13: Testing for Leptospira canicola (Leptospirosis)
Timeframe: Within 45 days before export

Note:This step only applies if the dog has not been vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola as per Step 8.
A blood sample must be taken by a Government Approved Veterinarian from the dog and tested for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) within 45 days before export. The test must produce a negative result (less than 50% agglutination) at a serum dilution of 1:100.

Step14: (only if your dog has ever visited mainland Africa): Babesia Canis Treatment
Timeframe: Within 28 days before export

If your dog has ever visited mainland Africa, it must be treated by a Government Approved Veterinarian with a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5mg/kg body weight, or two doses at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg body weight given at least 14 days apart. Treatments must be by subcutaneous injection and given within 28 days before export.
Step 15: Internal parasite treatments
Timeframe: Two treatments at least 14 days apart, with the second treatment given within 5 days before export.

The dog must be treated by a Government Approved Veterinarian twice with an internal parasite treatment effective against internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes). The two treatments must be administered at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before export. The second treatment must be given within 5 days before export. Further information on acceptable treatments.
Step 16: Pre export clinical examination
Timeframe: Within 5 days before export

The dog must be examined by a Government Approved Veterinarian or an Official Government Veterinarian and found to be free from external parasites and clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease within 5 days before export. You must take the animal and all documentation to this examination.
Step 17: Completion of Veterinary Health Certificate (Attachment A)
Timeframe: Within 5 days before export

The Veterinary Health Certificate is located as Attachment A to your valid import permit. It must be completed by the Official Government Veterinarian.
The following documents must accompany the animal on arrival in Australia. Copies can be used, but all documents must bear the original signature of the Official Government Veterinarian and stamp of the Competent Authority on each page: A valid import permit
A completed Veterinary Health Certificate (Attachment A of the import permit)
Ehrlichia canis laboratory report
Leishmania infantum laboratory report
Brucella canis laboratory report (if not desexed)
Leptospira canicola laboratory report (if not vaccinated)
Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) test laboratory report; and
Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) Test Declaration.
[It is recommended that you retain a copy of each of these documents.]
Any corrections made to the Veterinary Health Certificate must be struck through, remain legible and be signed and stamped by the Official Government Veterinarian (NB: Correction fluid must not be used).

Step 18: Travel to Australia

The dog must be consigned to Australia in a container that meets the standard required in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulation Container Requirement 1.
In most cases the animal will be checked in at the freight terminal, not the passenger terminal.
The dog must arrive in Australia prior to the expiry date of the import permit.

Step 19: On Arrival in Australia​

Staff from the department will collect your animal on arrival for transport directly to the Quarantine Facility.
All cats and dogs must complete a minimum of 10 days in an Australian quarantine facility. Please note that 10 days quarantine is the minimum requirement only and that any issues that may increase the biosecurity risk posed by an animal may result in a longer stay in post-entry quarantine (for example, if a tick is found on your dog, they will need to stay for 21-30+ days until they repeat their blood testing; at the importer’s cost).​

[maxdog]

strict.....and long !

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by maxdog

strict.....and long !

Yes it is! It's much more strict than the US. And if they find a tick on your dog, they increase the time in quarantine from 10 days to 21 to 30 days, and require your dog to be retested for diseases. Failure to comply with the regulations will result in your dog either being sent back to its home country at your expense, or euthanizing.

[Cherie6446]

Why doesn't he just put those pups on his plane and send them home? I lost respect for him when he removed River Phoenix from his club for being under the influence of drugs and River died on the sidewalk outside his club.

[teasell]

The 2 Yorkies have left Australia, and are now in the Fiji Islands. Guess they have a less rules there.


In a way I do understand why there laws in Australia. They have no rabies there and they want to keep it that way. Also I think they felt like Depp and his girlfriend should have followed the rule of quarantine, no matter how famous Depp is...
Just my opinion.... Lynn

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by DBlain

with a private jet the passengers and (sometimes)luggage goes through customs in a terminal the jet is self can be but not often boarded to be searched the the pups could have been in a carrier in the plane and then later on just taken off with the crew or something like that

Good point.

I'm happy to see the dogs returned to the US. They are adorable!

[pstinard]

The dogs are safe and back in California, but Depp could face criminal charges in Australia:

Johnny Depp Could Face Up To 10 Years In Prison For Bringing His Dogs To Australia