CEO of Safeco Field's food service company caught on camera abusing dog
SEATTLE -- The CEO of the company that is the exclusive provider of Safeco Field's food and beverage service is in under fire in Canada, after video showing him brutally kicking and choking a dog was released.
Desmond Hague, the chief executive officer of Centerplate, Inc., is accused of abusing a dog in a Vancouver hotel elevator in late July, Canadian media outlet Global News reported.
Centerplate is responsible for all of Safeco Field's food services, as well as many other food services for arenas in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom; including the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The footage of the incident sparked outrage online, with many calling for Hague's resignation from Centerplate.
The company released a statement about Hague's actions, saying they are in the process of an internal review and that Hague will attend counseling to address his anger management issues. Hague also apologized to the company's employees, the company said.
Hague was placed on indefinite probation following the acts. He also agreed to voluntarily donate $100,000 of his own money towards the establishment of the Sade Foundation in honor of the dog he mistreated, Centerplate said. He will also serve 1,000 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," Centerplate said. "Mr. Hague still faces potential charges in Vancouver, where he is personally responsible for charges and fines in relation to the incident."
Hauge issued a statement to Global News, saying he takes "full responsibility for his 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.”
The Doberman Pincher seen in the video was less than a year old, and has been removed from Hague's care, Global News reported.
The Mariners released this upon learning of the incident:
“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 is an American Citizen based in Connecticut.
Watch Global News' report on the alleged animal abuse below. Be warned, the video is graphic.