A surveillance camera reportedly shows Desmond Hague, the CEO of hospitality company Centerplate, abusing a puppy in a hotel elevator in Vancouver just last month. This, of course, has spurred calls to boycott Centerplate until they act on this.
In the video, you can see someone rather viciously pulling the puppy by its leash and kicking it. And lest there be any doubt about that being Hague in the video, Global News obtained the search warrant from the investigation by the British Columbia branch of the SPCA, and the name on the warrant is Des Hague.
In addition, Hague sent a statement to Global News apologizing for his actions. Here’s his statement in full:
I take full responsibility for my actions, this incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed. Under the circumstances of the evening in question, a minor frustration with a friend’s pet caused me to lose control of my emotional response. Unfortunately, I acted inappropriately, and I am deeply sorry for that and am very grateful that no harm was caused to the animal. I have reached out to the SPCA and have personally apologized to the dog’s owner. At this time, I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them.
Some people have already boycotted the food at places that Centerplate provides to and want the company to dump Hague immediately.
For its part, Centerplate has made it clear they’re taking action.
In no way do we condone the mistreatment of animals. This is a personal
matter involving our CEO that we are currently investigating.
— Centerplate (@centerplate) August 26, 2014
You can watch the surveillance video below, via Global News:
[h/t WFLA]
[image via screengrab]
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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac
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