Johnny Depp’s wife Amber Heard has reportedly been issued with a Commonwealth summons to appear in court in relation to the importation of the pair’s dogs Pistol and Boo.

The dogs were returned by private jet to the United States in May 2015, when Agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce threatened to have them put down.

It was alleged quarantine procedures weren't followed at the time, when the couple arrived to Australia to film the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie on the Gold Coast.

The Department of Agriculture confirmed the summons had been issued to the 29-year-old actress on Wednesday.

"Ms Amber Heard was served with a 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."

The Commonwealth DPP is believed to have issued the summons for July 14 for Heard to appear in Southport local court on September 7.

Fines for the offence could reach up to three hundred thousand dollars.



