Video shows CEO for Safeco Field’s catering company allegedly abusing dog

Warning: This video may disturb some viewers.

The CEO of a catering company, whose client list includes Safeco Field, allegedly abused a dog in an elevator last month.

Desmond Hague, CEO of Centerplate Inc., is allegedly seen in the elevator at the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia in July repeatedly kicking a small Doberman pinscher. The man also picks the dog up by the leash.

SeattleDogSpot reported hotel employees reported the incident to British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which said this may not be the first time that dog has been mistreated.

Two BC SPCA officers entered a Vancouver, B.C. condo Wednesday night and found a Doberman pinscher puppy in a crate with food and water bowls out of reach. The dog was surrounded by the smell of its own urine, according to The Vancouver Sun.

SPCA now has custody of the dog.

The Mariners released the following statement on Tuesday:

“We are aware of the video and we have told Mr. Hague that his behavior is inexcusable. Although we are extremely disappointed in Mr. Hague’s actions, we do not believe that this incident represents the corporate philosophy of Centerplate and we do not believe this should affect our long and successful relationship with the corporation. We will leave it to Centerplate to pursue any disciplinary action they determine is appropriate.”

Hague apologized for his actions, according to the Sun.

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said. “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.”

The Sun reports Hague has not been charged with a crime.

Centerplate Inc., which has partnered with arenas and stadiums across the country, issued a statement regarding the incident on Wednesday.

Centerplate’s Board of Directors recently convened a special meeting following the completion of an internal investigation and review of an incident involving animal cruelty by its CEO Des Hague.

We pride ourselves as individuals and as a company on how we treat others—both humans and animals. The company finds Mr. Hague’s personal behavior unacceptable and outside the bounds of our high standards and expectations of all of our staff. We do not condone nor can we overlook the mistreatment of animals and Mr. Hague’s personal misconduct.

Thus, upon internal review of the incident, and recognizing that Mr. Hague is truly ashamed of his actions and has expressed sincere remorse and shame for erratic behavior that is uncharacteristic of him we have decided to take the following immediate actions:

Mr. Hague will be given a written censure by the Board whereby he will be placed on indefinite probation stating that any further acts of misconduct would result in immediate termination.

As a condition of his continued employment with Centerplate, Mr. Hague will personally donate $100,000.00 USD which will be donated towards the establishment of the Sade Foundation in honor of the dog he mistreated in the elevator to help support the protection and safety of animals in the city of Vancouver where the incident occurred.

Further, we are requiring Mr. Hague to serve 1000 hours of community service in support of an organization that serves to protect the welfare and safety of animals.

Centerplate in no way condones the mistreatment of animals, and as a strong sign of our conviction, we the company will also contribute a portion of our sales to the Sade Foundation. Additionally, we will open this foundation to all Centerplate employees and the general public who want to support and contribute in the hope that meaningful change can come out of this tragic situation.

Mr. Hague still faces potential charges in Vancouver, where he is personally responsible for charges and fines in relation to the incident.