Johnny Depp dog controversy: Wife Amber Heard summoned for illegally bringing dogs into Australia

Johnny Depp's wife Amber Heard has been summoned to appear in court over allegations of importing two dogs into Australia on a private jet.

The Hollywood star came under fire for failing to declare two Yorkshire terriers named Pistol and Boo to authorities on their arrival in Brisbane in April 2015.

At the time, a minister said the dogs would be put down if they stayed as Australia has strict animal quarantine laws to prevent importing infections.

Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce had said, "It's time Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States."

Depp is currently filming Pirates of the Caribbean 5 at Australia's Gold Coast, while the Magic Mike XXL actress has been ordered to appear in court, Australia's department of agriculture confirmed.

"Ms Amber Heard was served with summons issued by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions on July 14," a statement read.

"The CDPP's action follows an incident where a biosecurity officer attended a Gold Coast property in April and found two dogs alleged to be illegally imported.

"All animals entering Australia must have an import permit, and have undergone relevant testing and health checks signed off by a government veterinarian from the exporting country to ensure pests and diseases from overseas are not brought here."

Heard previously criticised the way the case was handled and vowed to avoid travelling to Australia.

She told Australia's NBC, "I have a feeling we're going to avoid the land Down Under from now on, just as much as we can thanks to certain politicians there."

"I guess everyone tries to go for their 15 minutes, including some government officials," she added.