British Columbia

Des Hague, U.S. CEO agrees to $100K donation for abusing dog

A CEO caught on video abusing his dog in a Vancouver hotel elevator has agreed to donate $100,000 US toward the establishment of an animal welfare foundation.

Centerplate CEO to also serve 1,000 hours community service in animal welfare

Des Hague has resigned as the CEO of Centerplate after video of him mistreating a dog in a Vancouver hotel elevator was made public. (Centerplate)

The CEO caught on video abusing his dog in a Vancouver hotel elevator has agreed to donate $100,000 US toward the establishment of an animal welfare foundation. 

Des Hague has also been 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.

Centerplate says the Sade foundation will be set up with Hague's money "to help support the protection and safety of animals in the city of Vancouver where the incident occurred."

The U.S.-based company has also ordered Hague to support "an organization that serves to protect the welfare and safety of animals" with 1,000 hours of community service.

In a statement, Centerplate says the company finds Hague's behaviour unacceptable.

"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," said Centerplate.

The company says Hague is "truly ashamed" and has expressed "sincere regret at his erratic behaviour."

In the elevator security video, Hague kicks at a small dog which starts cowering then swings it up off the ground by its leash, jerking it around.