Hollywood star Johnny Depp is at the centre of a row in Australia over two illegal immigrants called Pistol and Boo.
The culprits have reportedly fallen foul of the law because, as Yorkshire Terriers, they were brought into the country without respecting the country’s strict procedures on importing pets, including quarantine checks.
Now the dogs face a race against time to avoid being put down. They must leave Australian territory within 72 hours, the government said, or they would be euthanised.
For some, the issue draws a parallel with Australia’s policies on immigration and asylum seekers, which have been criticised by Amnesty International and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Which rules have been broken?
Australia has strict laws governing what can be brought into the country, to protect the island nation from pests and diseases.
The Department of Agriculture’s website sets out a 19-step process for importing dogs, of which the first 18 steps are supposed
