A 48-year-old supermarket cashier and mom made a final desperate phone call to emergency services before succumbing to an attack by stray dogs near an industrial area, according to local authorities.
Zhanna Khusainova’s body was discovered in a wasteland area in the Russian city of Kazan after she failed to arrive for her shift on November 11, 2024. Security camera footage captured her walking in a dark green jacket, carrying a brown handbag, moments before the attack occurred.
During her emergency call, Khusainova attempted to alert operators about the attack. “Dogs are attacking me,” she said, according to transcripts. The operator, misunderstanding due to poor connection quality, initially responded, “What is burning? Is the sauna on fire?” Khusainova’s final words were “Dogs attacked me, a lot… No, dogs are attacking, help! Help,” before the line went dead.
The victim was covered in bites, had one leg severed and her scalp missing.
The dogs, which had been living in an unsecured shelter near industrial premises along Khusainova’s route to work, were part of a growing population of strays in the area. Local residents had previously expressed concerns about the presence of these animals.
Khusainova, a trained aviation engineer working as a supermarket cashier, left behind a 15-year-old daughter. Police launched a search operation when she did not arrive at work, discovering her body hours after the initial attack.
Local authorities have attributed the rise in stray dog populations to recent budget cuts in municipal services. The dogs involved in the attack have since been euthanized, according to official statements.
The incident has highlighted ongoing challenges with animal control in Russian cities. Officials report that reduced funding for local services has led to inadequate management of stray animal populations across multiple regions.
In May, 2023, it was reported that Russia was considering rounding up stray dogs and using them to clear landmines as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Residents of many towns and cities in Russia complain of problems with rejected pets and street dogs that hunt in packs.