The stray dog the Macrons took into their presidential home in the Elysée palace has displayed a distinct lack of gratitude towards his adoptive parents - by loudly peeing on an ornate mantelpiece as the president held a meeting with ministers.

The urinary act of rebellion was recorded for posterity by TV news crews who were filming the talks between Emmanuel Macron and three junior ministers in the gilded office of the French head of state.

Nemo, a two-year old black labrador-griffon cross adopted by Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron from an animal rescue centre in August, can be seen in the back of the room cocking his leg over the mantelpiece and loudly answering the call of nature.