Patiala Pit Bull Attack: A recent dog attack in Patiala has raised an important question for pet owners. What happens financially when a pet hurts another person? On August 12, a man and his wife were allegedly attacked by a pet Pit Bull in Ghuman Nagar, Patiala. The injured man, Ankit Sabharwal, said the couple had gone to see a house that was available for rent.
He told ANI, “I was going to see a house, along with my wife. I was called to see the property for rent. As soon as we reached…” The incident has brought attention to the costs that can come after a serious pet attack. These may include medical bills and possible legal expenses.
#WATCH | Punjab: A man and his wife injured after allegedly being attacked by a pet Pit Bull dog in Ghuman Nagar area of Patiala.
The man, Ankit Sabharwal says, “I was going to see a house, along with my wife. I was called to see the property for rent. As soon as we reached… pic.twitter.com/yMQC9ByL4w
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2026
Can Pet Insurance Pay for Third-Party Claims?
Pet insurance is not only about paying for a pet’s treatment. Some plans in India also offer Third-Party Liability (TPL) cover. This type of cover can apply when an insured dog or cat causes bodily injury, sickness, death or property damage to another person, depending on the policy terms and the liability involved.
Amarnath Saxena, Chief Technical Officer-Commercial at Bajaj General Insurance, said, “Both cats and dogs can be insured. Pet Insurance offering is a modular product that enables pet owners to select from various plan options. based on their protection needs. Depending on the plan and coverages chosen, the policy may provide coverage for veterinary expenses such as Surgeries, Fracture Treatment, Hospitalisation, Mortality, Terminal Illnesses, Long-term Care, OPD Expenses, Theft/Loss/Straying, and Third-Party Liability (TPL).”
He further said, “If your dog or cat causes bodily injury, sickness, death or property damage to a third party, someone outside your household, this cover steps in to protect you against the legal liability that follows. It covers you for the compensation you become liable to pay, and also meets the legal costs of defending the claim, within the opted sum insured. Notably, this liability protection applies from the very start of the policy, with no waiting period,”
The exact protection depends on the policy chosen. Bajaj General Insurance currently lists Third Party Liability as an available pet insurance cover, with the sum insured varying by plan. Its policy wording and conditions decide when a claim can be paid.
Who is Treated as a Third Party?
A third party generally means someone who is not the pet owner or a member of the owner’s household. Under the policy explanation provided by the insurer, it can cover another person who suffers an injury or property loss because of the pet.
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However, the cover is not meant for every person who comes into contact with the animal. People whose job involves looking after the pet can fall outside the protection. This may include trainers, veterinarians, breeders, kennel workers and professional pet caretakers.
The policy is designed for unexpected incidents involving other people. It does not generally cover situations involving intentional acts or risks that are excluded under the policy terms.
