Johnny Depp’s dog troubles Down Under not going away soon

Johnny Depp is back in the U.S. this week after getting into hot water in Australia for smuggling his two pet Yorkshire terriers into the country on his private plane, violating quarantine laws, but authorities in the lower hemisphere aren’t done with him just yet. If the case goes to court and Depp is found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $265,000 fine, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“If we start letting movie stars — even though they’ve been the Sexiest Man Alive twice — come into our nation [and break the laws], then why don’t we just break the laws for everybody?” Australian Minister of Agriculture Barnaby Joyce says. And you know what? He raises some very good questions, but is he suggesting that Australia isn’t already a completely lawless anarchic free-for-all? Because if so I’ve been sorely misled. Also, shouldn’t Depp have those Sexiest Man Alive titles stripped now, one for each Yorkie?

Follow Ned Ehrbar on Twitter: @nedrick