The CEO who was caught by an elevator security camera abusing a Doberman Pinscher puppy, resigned from the company yesterday.
The 50-second video shows Desmond Hague entering an elevator with a puppy named Sade at a Vancouver condo complex. Once the doors closed, he proceeds to kick the animal and pick her up by the leash attached to her collar.
The event occurred in late July.
Now Hague is out of a job. According to a statement on the Centerplate website, the now-former CEO has stepped down from his post at the Stamford, Connecticut-based company.
“We want to reiterate that we do not condone nor would we ever overlook the abuse of animals,” Joe O’Donnell, chairman of the board of directors for Centerplate, says.
“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. Their voices helped us to frame our deliberations during this very unusual and unfortunate set of circumstances.”
Centerplate provides concessions to some of the biggest venues and events in the country, including the San Francisco 49ers new home, Levi’s Stadium, and the annual Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center.
The release of the video sparked a firestorm of controversy, with sports fans threatening boycotts, and some venues questioning renewal of their Centerplate contracts. The Union Tribune, for instance, reported San Diego Mayor Kevin Falconer would “consider all options,” when city’s $17 million contract expires in February. Centerplate provides concessions for Qualcomm Stadium, home of the Chargers.
Vote with your money people and get @centerplate out of @SFGiants and @49ers events. #DesHague #AnimalRights
— JF Chabot (@jfchabot) August 26, 2014
One online petition calling for Hague’s resignation had almost 200,000 signatures. “I’m thankful for the 190,000 people who signed my petition on Change.org and all those who spoke up on social media,” Erica Perry, who started the petition, says. “We’ve had our voices heard and brought some justice to animals.”
According to The Globe and Mail, Sade is with the BC SPCA.
After the video surfaced and Hague’s identity became known, the board originally placed him on indefinite probation, including serving 1,000 hours of community service for an animal-welfare organization, and anger-management counseling. The company also announced a $100,000 donation to establish The Sade Foundation, to promote animal safety in Vancouver.
Hague will be replaced by Chris Verros, Centerplate’s COO since 2010; Hague was CEO since 2009.
Hague could still face criminal charges in Vancouver.
Sources: ESPN, Union-Tribune, Fortune
