Johnny Depp leaves Australia after jail threats

Johnny Depp reportedly left Australia last night after authorities started investigating the Hollywood star for smuggling his dogs into the country.

The website news.com.au reported Depp - who is filming the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film on the Gold Coast - flew out of the country on his private jet with wife Amber Heard after 6pm.

Depp has made headlines for failing to declare his pet Yorkshire terrier dogs Pistol and Boo to authorities, and officials are investigating whether he should be prosecuted.

News.com.au reported that if the case went to court and Depp was found guilty, the actor faced up to 10 years in jail or a fine of A$340,000.

Depp's dogs were ordered back to the United States or threatened to be euthanized after it was discovered he didn't declare them when he landed in Australia on April 21.

Australia has strict quarantine regulations to prevent diseases such as rabies spreading to its shores. Bringing pets into the country involves applying for a permit and a quarantine on arrival of at least 10 days.

"If you start letting movie stars - even though they've been the sexiest man alive twice - to come into our nation (with pets), then why don't we just break laws for everybody?" Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said.

"It's time that Pistol and Boo buggered off back to the United States."

Depp also left Australia in March after suffering a hand injury.

This time, news.com.au reported Depp was returning to the US for his daughter's birthday.

- nzherald.co.nz