Former deputy PM Barnaby Joyce shouts at pet dog during live interview; video goes viral

Barnaby Joyce, senior figure in Australia's One Nation party and a former deputy prime minister, has become a global talking point after suddenly shouting at his pet dog in the middle of a live television panel discussion.

As the interviewer pressed him with pointed political questions, Joyce abruptly yelled "Sit down" at the dog, which had been barking off camera.

The exchange came during a heated segment: the interviewer had been posing tough questions about One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's meeting with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and about international political developments.

Distracted by the dog's interruption, Joyce apologised to the interviewer and tried to continue. But as the disruption persisted, he angrily warned: "Please speak respectfully, or this interview will end right here."

The unexpected on-air moment drew widespread amusement in the middle of a serious political debate, and video of the interview is now being widely shared on social media.