Des Hague charged over mistreatment of puppy in elevator
Former CEO allegedly caught on video abusing a Doberman puppy
Des Hague, the CEO caught on video allegedly abusing a dog in a Vancouver hotel elevator, has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty.
In the elevator security video, Hague appears to kick at a small dog, which starts cowering, then swings it up off the ground by its leash, jerking it around.
After the July 2014 video came to light, Hague resigned as CEO of U.S. catering company Centerplate.
According to the B.C. SPCA, Hague has now been charged with two counts under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
“There has been a lot of media and public interest in this investigation, but every individual is entitled to due process and it is now up to the courts to determine an appropriate outcome,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the B.C. SPCA in a statement.
If convicted, Hague faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to two years in jail, and a lifetime ban on owning animals.
After the video was first released — and before he resigned — Hague was placed on indefinite probation by Centerplate's board, which runs the food concession at B.C. Place and many U.S. sports facilities, on the understanding he could be terminated for such behaviour in the future.
He was also ordered by the company to donate $100,000 to set up a foundation "to help support the protection and safety of animals in the city of Vancouver where the incident occurred" and to perform 1,000 hours of community service with an animal welfare organization.