CEO Caught on Video Abusing Puppy
By Gilbert Falso :: 12:52 AM
The CEO of a U.S.-based sports venue catering firm was caught on video abusing a 1-year-old Doberman Pinscher puppy in the elevator  of a Vancouver, B.C. apartment building last month.
On July 27, Desmond Hague, the CEO of Centerplate, a U.S.-based catering firm with contracts for sporting venues worldwide, entered into an elevator with his Doberman, Sade. Surveillance video from the elevator, which was turned over to the local SPCA, shows Hague repeatedly kicking the dog, and then yanking up sharply on the leash, choking the dog briefly before releasing it.Â
Last week, officers from the B.C. SPCA entered Hague’s apartment with a search warrant and found the dog in a small urine-soaked crate, with no food or water available. The dog was taken into SPCA custody, and is doing well, according to local news reports.
No charges have been filed yet in the case, although the SPCA has recommended to the local prosecutor that Hague be charged under the criminal and/or provincial prevention of cruelty to animals act, which could bring jail time or a lifetime ban on pet ownership in Canada.
Hague lists a Stamford, Connecticut address as his U.S. residence.
As news of the cruelty broke last week in Canada, there has been a growing public outcry at stadiums, arenas, and other venues that have contracts with Hague’s company to terminate those contracts immediately.
Hague released the following statement: Â “I take full responsibility for my actions. This incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed.”
Below is the surveillance video from the elevator that shows Hague kicking and choking the dog.