I signed and am writing this diary to encourage others to sign a petition being shared on Facebook to fire CEO Des Hague for animal cruelty.
A link to the Change.org petition can be found - HERE.
Des Hague is CEO of the sports catering company Centerplate. An article about the incident and video of him kicking and choking a Doberman pinscher puppy on an elevator can be found here. (Trigger Warning)..
SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigated the matter and a search warrant was issued. The man in the elevator video was found to be multi-millionaire CEO Desmond Hague. Also, news reports indicate SPCA is now in posession of the dog. Also, an SPCA spokeswoman said the dog's behavior suggests she has been abused before:
An investigation by the British Columbia SPCA found that the dog belongs to Hague. “The way she behaves certainly gives the indication of fearfulness, and that indicates she has received this treatment before,” Lorie Chortyk, a spokeswoman for the animal welfare organization
The news reports indicate the dog belonged to Mr. Hague. However, the CEO released a statement through his attorney indicating it was a friend's dog:
“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."
The corporation Centerplate has
issued a statement saying they don't condone "mistreatment of animals" and their CEO has agreed to undergo anger management counseling and he will donate $100,000 to an animal shelter.
What would they do if a low paid employee was 5 minutes late a few too many days or had a legitimate illness or personal crisis and called in sick 12 days in the year?
As stated, Centerplate provides catering services to sporting organizations. That would include catering to professional sports teams such as the S.F. Giants, S.F. 49ers, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts, among others.
The S.F. 49ers issued this statement: This is a standard PR response - no indication they are cancelling the contract.
[The organization] condemns the abuse of animals and was disturbed to learn of the recent news regarding Des Hague. We believe his actions are not reflective of the efforts and service provided by the hundreds of Centerplate employees working to present our fans with a tremendous experience at Levi's Stadium."
The Seattle Mariners response is to donate a portion of concession stand proceeds for the month of September to the Animal Humane Society -
link here.
The link to the Change.org petition can be found HERE
12:49 PM PT: H/T to Catte Nappe for posting updated information. Centerplate has announced they are placing Mr. Hague on indefinate probation and requiring he complete 1,000 hours community service. Also, he will be donating $100,000 to the Sade Foundation for the protection of animals. http://www.dailykos.com/...