Shocking footage has surfaced showing the moments before Zhanna Khusainova, a 48-year-old mother, was fatally attacked by a pack of stray dogs while on her way to work in Kazan, Russia. Khusainova’s body was discovered on wasteland, covered in severe bites, with one leg severed and her scalp missing, according to the Express. The devastating incident unfolded as she walked to her job as a cashier at a local supermarket, with CCTV capturing her final moments.
Khusainova was dressed in a dark green jacket and carrying a brown handbag as she hurried to work. Just seconds later, she was ambushed by a pack of stray dogs—estimated to be dozens—living in an insecure shelter near industrial premises on her route. Her disappearance prompted a search when she didn’t arrive for work, ultimately leading to the discovery of her remains.
In a desperate attempt to save herself, Khusainova managed to call emergency services moments before she was overwhelmed. The line, however, was poor, leading the operator to initially misunderstand her plea. “Dogs are attacking me …” she cried, to which the operator responded, “What is burning? Is the sauna on fire?” She repeated, “Dogs attacked me, a lot … No, dogs are attacking, help! Help!” Barking could be heard in the background, but the call ended abruptly, reported by the Mirror.
Police were alerted, but by the time they arrived, it was too late. Her mauled body was found after dark, with signs indicating that she had dropped her phone while trying to flee the pack. Locals had previously voiced concerns about the strays near the industrial area, raising questions about public safety in the area.
Zhanna Khusainova, a trained aviation engineer who took work as a supermarket cashier, leaves behind a 15-year-old daughter. Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, Deputy Mayor Iskander Giniyatullin stated, “I believe it is necessary to maintain composure and wait for the results of the investigation, based on which the necessary conclusions will be made. I offer my sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased woman.”
Following the attack, reports indicate that the dogs suspected of involvement have been put down. The incident has drawn attention to the growing problem of stray dogs in Russian cities, with local service cuts attributed to Vladimir Putin’s focus on military funding for the war in Ukraine. These cuts have led to an increase in stray dog attacks, leaving many Russian towns and cities dealing with the consequences of insufficient resources for managing animal populations.