'Sit down!' Australian politician berates dog on live TV

Australian politician Barnaby Joyce, a prominent member of the far-right One Nation party, sparked controversy during a live television interview when he scolded a misbehaving dog, according to reports from RTÉ News. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during an appearance on the national broadcaster ABC. Joyce, who previously served as deputy prime minister, interrupted his conversation with journalist Sarah Ferguson to shout “sit down!” at the dog, which had been disrupting the interview. Ferguson, who was questioning Joyce about his party leader Pauline Hanson’s recent meeting with British far-right figure Tommy Robinson, attempted to refocus the discussion. She responded to Joyce’s interruption by telling him, “Don’t worry about the dog, just answer the question.” Joyce, however, retorted sharply, claiming the dog had begun to “bail up,” a colloquial term for urinating. He then added, “I do apologise for this dog.” The exchange escalated as Joyce reportedly grew more agitated, telling Ferguson, “Don’t be rude. Otherwise, this interview will come to a grinding halt.” The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from animal rights advocates and members of the public. This is not the first time Joyce has faced backlash over his treatment of animals. In the past, he has publicly criticized the dogs of actor Johnny Depp, suggesting they should be put down. His comments have often drawn accusations of cruelty and insensitivity toward pets. In response to the fallout, Victoria-based politician Georgie Purcell of the Animal Justice Party posted on social media, mocking Joyce’s behavior by writing, “If you think this is a normal way to speak to your dog, sit down!” The comment resonated widely online, highlighting the growing public concern over how politicians treat animals. When asked about the reaction, Joyce told the Sydney Morning Herald that the incident reflects a cultural divide within Australia. He claimed that people in rural areas tend to find such behavior humorous, while urban residents view it as unacceptable. “People in the regions laugh about it,” he stated. “People in the inner city think it's a war crime.” One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has gained increasing political traction in recent months. Opinion polls indicate that the party, long considered a fringe group, has emerged as Australia’s most popular political entity. This rise in popularity coincides with Hanson’s controversial appearances, including her recent participation in a podcast with Tommy Robinson, a former football hooligan known for his anti-Islam rhetoric. Hanson has defended her decision to engage with Robinson, arguing that their discussions were aimed at addressing broader societal issues. However, her remarks about the historical “White Australia” policy, once used to restrict non-white immigration, have drawn widespread condemnation. She suggested that the dismantling of this policy in the 1970s contributed to Australia’s current challenges. While she later clarified that she did not advocate for a return to the policy, the statement fueled further debate about race relations and immigration in the country. As the situation unfolds, observers are watching closely to see whether Joyce’s actions will lead to further scrutiny of One Nation’s influence and messaging. Meanwhile, the incident continues to spark conversations about the role of public figures in shaping attitudes toward both politics and animals.