CEO Caught Kicking Puppy Will Donate $100K

Des Hague of Centerplate says he's 'ashamed and deeply embarrassed'
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 28, 2014 6:29 PM CDT
CEO Caught Kicking Puppy Will Donate $100K
Centerplate CEO Des Hague.   (Centerplate)

The CEO of a company that provides food to sports stadiums in the US and Canada will donate $100,000 to create a fund for abused animals after he got caught on video kicking a puppy, reports CBC. Des Hague of Centerplate was captured on an elevator video repeatedly kicking a friend's Doberman puppy and then jerking and dragging the animal by its leash. (If you need to see the video, go to Global News, which first obtained it.) The abuse took place in Vancouver, and the story has been big news in Canada, but it's been percolating in the US because the Connecticut company provides concessions to so many stadiums. As fans learn of it, they're taking to social media to demand that their hometown stadiums ditch Centerplate, notes the Greenville News.

“I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed," Hague said in a statement after the story broke, as reported in the Vancouver Sun. "A minor frustration with a friend’s pet caused me to lose control of my emotional response. ... I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them.” Centerplate has censured Hague, placed him on a probation that will result in immediate dismissal if he abuses any more animals, and announced that he has agreed to pay $100,000 to start the Sade Foundation (named for the puppy he abused) and perform 1,000 hours of community service. The new foundation will help animals in Vancouver. Hague also could face criminal charges in British Columbia, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune, though prosecutors haven't yet decided whether to pursue them. As for the dog, the local SPCA has taken custody and will put it up for adoption unless the owner, Hague's friend, files an appeal. (More Des Hague stories.)

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