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Patiala pitbull case reignites ferocious breeds debate
As video of a pitbull mauling a couple in Patiala goes viral, we look at their health update, law around aggressive breeds & what to do when a dog attacks
A house-hunting visit turned traumatic for Patiala-based couple Ankit Sabharwal and his wife Shifali after they were attacked by a pet pitbull in Ghuman Nagar on Tuesday.
The couple, accompanied by a property dealer, had gone to inspect a house for rent. CCTV footage show the dog attacking rushing out as soon as the gate was opened and attacking Shifali before turning on Ankit as he tries to protect her. Both sustained serious injuries.
‘My wife had emergency surgery’
“We have suffered significant injuries in the attack. I have received multiple stitches in my back and legs, while my wife has undergone emergency surgery. Both her arms have been injured,” Ankit said in a press conference, hoping to get justice in this case. He added they have not received any correspondence from the dog owner, who he claimed failed to tame or train the pet.
Police have registered an FIR against the dog owner under sections 291, 125A and 125B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with alleged negligent conduct regarding the animal and the injuries caused.
What to do if you are attacked
Parry Virk, a dog trainer working towards dog aggression control for the last 20 years, says the owners need to be the first line of defence: “In this case, the owner should have trained the dog properly, put a cautionary sign and kept the animal on leash. Dogs are highly energised, and their energy should be channelised properly.”
He also shares ways to tackle an attack, if attacked:
- Do not run: It could trigger the predatory chase of the dog. Retreat calmly if possible
- Try to protect your face, neck and vital organs: If you have fallen to the ground, assume foetal position.
If you witness an attack as an onlooker:
- Try to put a barrier: Place an object, jacket or bag between the victim and the dog
- Do not forcefully pull the bite victim: If a dog bites and locks its jaw, pour water over the dog’s head for distraction from the target
- If you are experienced with training dogs, try the wheelbarrow technique: Approaching from behind, firmly grab and lift the dog from upper hind legs and walk backwards while circling to prevent the dog from biting.
Who pays when a pet injures someone?
For the victim, animal bites that require hospitalisation may be covered under a health insurance policy, depending on its terms.
“In most health insurance policies, animal bite cover is available, subject to the policy type. As animal bites are largely grouped under accidents, a victim can claim insurance in case of hospitalisation. Some policies also offer vaccination and OPD benefits,” says insurance expert Suman Mourya.
There is another kind of protection relevant to pet owners: third-party liability cover. Some pet insurance policies in India offer this either as part of the policy or as an add-on. It can cover the owner’s legal liability if their pet injures another person or damages property, subject to the policy conditions and exclusions. Insurers currently offering such products explicitly list injuries caused by the insured pet under third-party liability cover.
“However, it’s always advised to read the fine print of your policy beforehand,” Mourya adds.
Can pitbulls be kept as pets?
In 2024, the Centre had proposed a ban on import, breeding and sale of 23 ferocious dog breeds, including pitbulls.
In Patiala, Mayor Kundan Gogia has said keeping aggressive breeds as pets would be banned in the city and that a special resolution could be placed before the municipal corporation House.
Municipal commissioner Pooja Grewal, meanwhile, says authorities are examining the case. “It is very unfortunate. Our teams have already approached the victims. We are checking all the records and will also take action in the matter.”
(With inputs from Karam Prakash in Patiala)
