FIR against Pitbull owner after dog attacks couple in Patiala

Punjab Police have registered an FIR against the owner of a pet Pitbull after the dog allegedly attacked a couple who had gone to inspect a house for rent in Patiala, leaving both with multiple bite injuries. The incident took place in the Ghuman Nagar area on Tuesday evening when Ankit Sabharwal and his wife Shifali visited the property along with a property dealer. CCTV footage of the attack subsequently surfaced online, showing residents rushing to rescue the couple as the dog continued to attack them.

FIR against owner

Police registered a case against the dog's owner following a complaint by the injured couple. According to reports, the FIR was registered after police examined the circumstances of the attack and the injuries suffered by the victims. Further investigation is underway to determine whether negligence on the part of the owner contributed to the incident. The attack has also renewed questions over the responsibility of owners keeping potentially aggressive breeds in densely populated residential areas.

Dog rushed out

Sabharwal said he and his wife had gone to Ghuman Nagar after being called to inspect a property they were considering renting.

When the gate of the house was opened, the Pitbull suddenly rushed out and attacked Shifali. The dog mauled her arm and other parts of her body before turning on Sabharwal when he attempted to protect her.

Sabharwal suffered deep bite injuries to his legs and back. Shifali sustained more serious wounds and required surgery at a private hospital.

Witnesses said the dog continued attacking despite attempts to restrain it.

Attack caught on CCTV

CCTV footage shows the couple struggling to escape as the dog repeatedly lunges at them.

People living nearby can then be seen rushing towards the couple with sticks in an attempt to drive the animal away. A woman initially emerges from the property carrying a stick but is unable to stop the attack. More residents subsequently join the rescue effort and eventually manage to pull the injured couple away.

The footage went viral on social media and prompted calls for stricter enforcement of rules governing ownership of aggressive dog breeds.

Mayor proposes ban

Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia said the municipal corporation would consider banning aggressive dog breeds as pets within the city.

Gogia said the issue would be placed before a meeting of the Municipal Corporation House and a special resolution could be introduced.

The mayor's announcement comes amid a wider debate over the keeping of breeds considered potentially dangerous and the responsibility of owners to ensure that pets do not pose a threat to neighbours or passers-by.

Safety concerns return

The Patiala incident has once again brought pet-owner liability and public safety into focus.

While the immediate police action concerns the circumstances of this particular attack, the viral footage has intensified discussion about precautions such as secure gates, leashes and muzzles, particularly for powerful dogs in residential neighbourhoods.

For Sabharwal and his wife, what began as a routine visit to find a rental home ended with both requiring medical treatment. With an FIR now registered, police will investigate the responsibility of the dog's owner while the municipal corporation considers tougher restrictions on aggressive breeds.