A couple suffered multiple grievous injuries in an attack by a pitbull dog outside a house in Patiala on Tuesday evening, an incident that has raised fresh concerns over the safety of residents amid repeated cases of dog attacks in the city.
The incident, CCTV footage of which has gone viral, took place when the couple – Ankit Sabharwal and his wife Shifali – went to Ghuman Nagar along with a property dealer to view a house for rent.
A video of the incident shows the pet dog dashing out and attacking Shifali the moment the gate of the house was opened. The dog is seen attacking her arm and other parts of her body, causing deep injuries. Gradually, the pitbull is seen attacking Ankit in a similar manner, leaving him with deep injuries on his legs and back while trying to protect his wife.
A woman emerges from the house with a stick but fails to control the dog. Subsequently, a few local residents wielding sticks and wipers are seen approaching the dog as the couple tries to escape.
{{/usCountry}}A woman emerges from the house with a stick but fails to control the dog. Subsequently, a few local residents wielding sticks and wipers are seen approaching the dog as the couple tries to escape.
{{/usCountry}}“We had gone to check out a property we were planning to rent. The pitbull suddenly came and attacked us. My wife suffered multiple injuries and had to undergo a surgery at Amar Hospital,” Ankit said.
Ankit said the police have been informed about the incident and sought action against those responsible for allegedly allowing the dog to roam freely.
Patiala police said a First Information Report (FIR) will be registered against the pet owner under section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on the basis of the victims’ statements.
Earlier, on August 9, a girl was allegedly mauled by a stray dog while passing through Guru Nanak Nagar area.
Taking note of the latest incident, a senior official at Patiala Municipal Corporation said keeping of ferocious breeds, including pit bulls, as pets is banned by the civic body. However, enforcement of such restrictions on the ground remains a challenge.
When contacted, Patiala Municipal Corporation Commissioner Pooja Grewal said pit bulls, considered to be one of the ferocious dog breeds, cannot be kept as pets as per rules. “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,” she said.
Punjab is witnessing a massive surge in cases of dog bites. From 1.10 lakh cases in 2020, the state reported 3.34 lakh dog bite cases in 2025 — the highest ever recorded in a single year.