Pitbull attacks couple viewing rental home in Patiala; CCTV footage sparks safety debate
Synopsis
A pitbull mauled a couple who had simply gone to view a rental property in Patiala — and the CCTV footage has gone viral. With a second dog attack in the city recorded just days earlier, Patiala's mayor is now signalling breed-specific restrictions, putting the city's pet ownership rules under urgent scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
Ankit Sabharwal and his wife Shifali were attacked by a pitbull in Ghuman Nagar, Patiala on 13 August while visiting a property for rent.
Shifali suffered severe injuries to her arm and other body parts and underwent surgery at a private hospital; Ankit sustained bite injuries to his legs and back.
CCTV footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage.
Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia said the municipal corporation is considering restrictions on aggressive dog breeds within city limits, with a special resolution likely at the next House meeting.
A separate dog attack on a young girl in Guru Nanak Nagar was reported just days earlier, on 9 August , marking at least two incidents within a week.
A couple sustained injuries after a pitbull attacked them in the Ghuman Nagar locality of Patiala, Punjab, on Tuesday evening, 13 August, with CCTV footage of the violent attack circulating widely on social media and reigniting concerns over pet ownership regulations and public safety in the city.
How the Attack Unfolded
Ankit Sabharwal and his wife, Shifali, had visited Ghuman Nagar accompanied by a property dealer to inspect a house available for rent. According to Ankit, the moment the property's gate was opened, the pitbull rushed out and lunged at Shifali, biting her multiple times and inflicting severe injuries to her arm and other parts of her body. She was subsequently admitted to a private hospital, where she underwent surgery.
While trying to pull the dog away from his wife, Ankit also suffered bite injuries to his legs and back. CCTV footage purportedly shows local residents rushing to the couple's aid, with bystanders attempting to drive the animal away using sticks. A woman from inside the house was seen emerging with a stick but was reportedly unable to stop the attack before neighbours intervened and eventually separated the dog from the victims.
Police Complaint and Demands for Accountability
Ankit said he has informed the police and demanded action against those responsible for allegedly failing to keep the dog under control. No arrests have been reported as of the time of writing, and the matter is under police review.
Municipal Corporation Eyes Breed Restrictions
Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia responded to the incident, stating that the municipal corporation is actively considering restrictions on keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets within city limits. He indicated the issue would be placed before a House meeting, where a special resolution could be introduced to formalise such curbs.
A Pattern of Dog Attacks in Patiala
The incident has intensified an ongoing debate over pet ownership and public safety in Patiala. Notably, just days earlier — on 9 August — a young girl was reportedly attacked by a stray dog in the city's Guru Nanak Nagar area, further alarming residents. This is at least the second such reported dog attack in the city within a week, underscoring what critics argue is a systemic gap in animal control enforcement. Whether the municipal corporation moves from discussion to enforceable policy will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Not just policy. Patiala's municipal corporation has had the authority to regulate dangerous breeds, yet the debate is still at the 'considering a resolution' stage — reactive rather than preventive. The viral CCTV footage may force the pace, but Indian cities have a long record of passing animal-control resolutions that never translate into ground-level action. The real test is whether Mayor Gogia's proposed House resolution comes with teeth: defined breed lists, mandatory registration, liability on owners, and a credible inspection mechanism. Without that, the next attack is a matter of when, not if.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Patiala pitbull attack on 13 August?
A pitbull attacked a couple, Ankit Sabharwal and his wife Shifali, as they visited a property in Ghuman Nagar, Patiala, to inspect a rental home on Tuesday evening, 13 August. Shifali suffered severe injuries and underwent surgery, while Ankit sustained bite wounds to his legs and back.
Was any action taken against the dog's owner?
Ankit Sabharwal said he has informed the police and demanded action against those responsible for failing to keep the dog under control. No arrests had been reported at the time of publication, and the matter remains under police review.
What is the Patiala municipal corporation planning to do?
Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia stated that the municipal corporation is considering restrictions on keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets within city limits. The issue is expected to be raised at an upcoming House meeting, where a special resolution may be introduced.
Is this an isolated incident or part of a pattern?
It is part of a pattern. Just days before this attack, on 9 August, a young girl was reportedly attacked by a stray dog in Patiala's Guru Nanak Nagar area — making it at least the second dog attack reported in the city within a week.
What does the CCTV footage show?
The footage purportedly shows the pitbull aggressively attacking the couple while local residents rush to help. A woman from the property emerges with a stick but is unable to stop the dog, and the attack ends only after several neighbours armed with sticks intervene.
