Warning: the video below may be distressing for some people to watch. Please view at your own discretion.

Dog owners are being warned to keep an eye on their dogs after a number of dead seals have been found on Pukehina Beach this week.

In a post on Facebook, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is urging Pukehina Beach residents to keep an eye on the whereabouts of their dogs - and to keep them off the beach or on a lead when on the beach.

'Seal pups are in the area and five dead pups were found on the beach yesterday.

'This morning a dog was seen attacking a pup on the southern end of the beach.

'Please let us know if you see anything untoward - and please take photos if any dogs are seen to be around pups. Contact us on customer.service@westernbay.govt.nz - and spread the word to your community please.”

A video sent to SunLive shows a dead seal on the beach this morning with dog prints leading to and from the seal carcass.

A resident who has seen the video says the seals may have just died from lack of food source.

He says from the video even though it looks like a dog has seized it, it may have already died.

'I think the combination of more seals around and the same amount of food, or even less food, is creating these circumstances.”

He urges people to call 0800DOCHOT if you find a seal.