A DISTRESSING video of a panicked seal pup being chased and nipped at by an unleashed dog has been described as what dog owners “should not do” on a beach.

The clip shows a potentially exhausted young seal struggling to return to sea after a Boxer dog repeatedly barks and follows the pup into the water at Redcar.

The dog’s owner can be heard shouting for the pet to return, but no action is taken to leash or take the dog away from the distressed seal.

The minute-long incident was filmed by others at the popular dog walking spot who attempt to coax the Boxer away from the seal pup. The seal retaliates and snaps back at the dog several times before returning to the sea.

The footage has gathered thousands of views on Facebook, with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity condemning the incident.

A spokesman said: “The pup is clearly panicking and is trying to escape into the sea here while a dog is allowed by its owner to continue attacking it despite repeated pleas from the person filming it.

“We had one of our volunteer medics on the way already to check on the poor pup, but unfortunately it had gone back out to sea before they arrived just minutes later.

“We always advise anyone who finds a pup hauled out to keep well back and give it space to avoid disturbing it.

“Seals haul out to rest, sleep and digest food, but pups in particular may also be exhausted, ill or injured and just simply need to be left alone.”

It is thought the seal escaped serious injury following the incident last week.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue spokesman added that the North-East is one of the busiest regions it serves, with a high number of callouts and not enough equipment.

The spokesman added: “Sadly these incidents are happening all too frequently, and seem to be on the rise.

“We would please urge everyone to help us raise awareness of this specific problem and our advice here to try to prevent this from happening as often as it already does.”

For more information on the British Divers Marine Life Rescue service, visit their website