Former Centerplate CEO charged with animal cruelty for elevator dog kicking

Des Hague, the former CEO of stadium concessions company Centerplate, has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.

If convicted, he could face a fine of up to $75,000, up to two years in jail or up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.

In July 2014, CCTV footage inside an elevator at the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia showed a man repeatedly kicking a one-year-old Doberman puppy and yanking its leash to the point that it was lifted into the air.

Hague was later identified as the man in the video after footage was released to the public, which sparked a public outcry. The dog, named Sade, belonged to a friend of Hague.

“There has been a lot of media and public interest in this investigation, but every individual is entitled to due process and it is now up to the courts to determine an appropriate outcome,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, in a statement.

In response to the incident, Centerplate ordered Hague to donate US$100,000 to establish an animal welfare foundation in Vancouver, where the incident occurred, and to perform 1,000 hours of local community service. He subsequently left the company following continued public pressure.

Feature Image: Centerplate