Johnny Depp has joked about the furore surrounding his dogs' recent visit to Australia, saying he killed his dogs and ate them under direct orders from Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, who he described as sweaty and big-gutted.

The 52-year-old, who is now facing a possible 10-year prison sentence and a hefty fine for illegally smuggling Pistol and Boo into Australia, made the comments at the Venice Film Festival.

His girlfriend, Amber Heard, has been summoned to appear in court in Queensland on Monday to answer charges of illegal importation and producing a false document.