The family of a pregnant bulldog they say was snatched under threat of violence on Sunday are 'terrified” what will happen to their dog and its babies.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the snatch, which appears to have stemmed from an agreement over ownership of the dog's pups.

Tauranga businesswoman Karen Sharma, mother of Black Ferns Sevens rugby player Angel Mulu, says the 'family pet”, Mia, was taken from Blake Park, Mt Maunganui, while Angel was coaching on the field.

Angel plays prop for the Black Ferns internationally, and for the Chiefs in super rugby.

Angel's partner, Liam Morrison, was waiting with Mia in his car when the incident happened, says Karen.

'Two men pulled up in a grey car beside him and one jumped in the front next to him.

'He had studded knuckle dusters. Another man got in behind who said he had a gun. They told my son-in-law that if he didn't hand over the dog he would get shot. Liam is not a small man, but what are you going to do if someone says they are going to shoot you?”

Angel was 'hysterical” when she ran over to find Mia gone, and she and her mother called police for help.

Police have confirmed they received a report about 2.10pm of the incident at Blake Park 'where a man was threatened, and a dog was taken”.

The men were described as wearing black and yellow outfits.

The three-year old bulldog is scheduled to give birth to her first litter, at a Tauranga vet this week, by C-section.

'Mia has had health complications, and has seizures, and these are her first babies, so she needs to give birth surgically. We are honestly running through the worst scenarios in our heads,” says Karen.

Angel received the dog as a present for her 21st birthday, three years ago, says Karen.

The $5000 price of the dog came with a condition that the previous owner would have his pick of a pup from the first litter, which the family said they were complying with.

'He is my moko dog as I look after him when Angel is playing rugby – we have had him for three years, and he is our pet.”

'I can't believe the situation has got this crazy. Who would put a dog through this trauma?.”

Liam, Angel and her mother all separately shared photos and messages about the incident on social media, appealing for help. Members of the Black Ferns also shared the appeal to find Mia.

Police are looking into the matter. Anyone with information about this incident, or those involved, should call 105 and quote event number P054720185.

The rules

Breeding and selling of puppies and kittens is largely unregulated in New Zealand.

From 2018, the sale of French Bulldogs and Bulldogs have been banned on Trade Me.

Selling or attempting to sell an animal which is suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress is an offence under the Act. MPI and the SPCA are responsible for enforcing the Act.

The SPCA's official policy said it was opposed to breeding which caused, or was likely to cause, suffering or negative health impacts to mothers and offspring.

Dogs NZ, an organisation associated with the breeding and health testing of about recognised breeds, had its own Breeders' Code of Ethics.

-Annemarie Quill/Stuff.