Dog-Kicking Centerplate CEO Removed From Job

Stadium catering company Centerplate will today announce the resignation of CEO Desmond Hague, 10 days after surveillance video emerged of Hague kicking and choking his dog in an elevator.

Centerplate, which handles food and beverage services for stadiums including Levi's Stadium, Qualcomm Stadium, Tropicana Stadium, FedEx Field, and the Superdome, had originally announced that Hague would be placed on probation, donate $100,000, and volunteer 1,000 hours with animal charities.

But today the Union-Tribune and Global News both report that following continued criticism, Centerplate has informed clients that Hague is being forced out of his job as CEO.

In a draft news release obtained by U-T Watchdog, Joe O'Donnell, chairman of the board of directors for Centerplate, reiterated that the company did not condone Hague's misconduct.

"Following an extended review of the incident involving Mr. Hague, I'd like to apologize for the distress that this situation has caused to so many; but also thank our employees, clients and guests who expressed their feelings about this incident," the draft release says. "Their voices helped us to frame our deliberations during this very unusual and unfortunate set of circumstance."

The incident in question occurred in July, when Hague was caught on camera in a Vancouver hotel elevator with Sade, a 1-year-old Doberman Pinscher. Hague is seen repeatedly kicking Sade, and yanking her leash hard enough to lift her off the floor. A hotel employee saw the video and provided copies to the media and the British Columbia office of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The BC SPCA carried out its own investigation, which determined that Sade's behavior indicated "she has received this treatment before," and has forwarded its findings to prosecutors for potential charges against Hague.

[ Union-Tribune]