The CEO of Stamford-based catering company Centerplate has resigned after he was caught on surveillance video abusing a Doberman puppy in an elevator.
Canadian television network Global News obtained the video, which shows Desmond Hague, who was staying at a hotel in Vancouver, kicking the dog, then snapping its leash.
At one point, the video shoes him jerking so hard that he lifts the puppy off the ground by its neck. Then he leaves the elevator, dragging the dog behind him.
Hague has resigned from Centerplate, according to a statement from the company on Tuesday.
Chris Verros has been appointed acting president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
“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, said in a statement. “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.”
Global News reports that the local SPCA got ahold of the video and is actively investigating. The officers reportedly found the dog in a crate surrounded by its own urine.
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"I take full responsibility for my actions," Hague said in a statement to Global News. "This incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed."
