Global Edition
Global Edition
UK Edition
EU Edition
US Edition

Understand the story, not the spin.

Markets

Patiala Mayor Proposes Ban on Aggressive Dog Breeds After Pitbull Attack

Published 13 August 2026

A couple was seriously injured after being attacked by a pet pitbull while inspecting a rental property in Patiala, Punjab, on Tuesday evening. The incident, captured on CCTV, has prompted the city's mayor to announce a potential ban on keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets.

The victims, Ankit Sabharwal, a bank manager, and his wife Shifali Sabharwal, a university professor, had gone to the Ghuman Nagar area with a property dealer to view a house. According to accounts from the couple and police, the attack began as soon as the gate was opened. The pitbull charged out and immediately attacked Shifali, inflicting severe injuries to her arms and other body parts. Ankit sustained deep bite wounds to his legs and back while attempting to shield his wife and pull the dog off her.

"I have received stitches all over my body. My wife has undergone surgery on her arms and legs," Ankit Sabharwal stated. He added that his wife remains under medical observation at a private hospital following the procedure. He alleged that the dog did not stop attacking even after its owner issued orders.

CCTV footage of the nearly two-minute attack shows the couple near the entrance when the dog lunges. A...

Now playing
0:00 / 0:00