CEO caught on surveillance camera callously attacking puppy
Disturbing footage captured by a lift surveillance camera shows the chief executive of a US multibillion-dollar company kicking, forcefully jerking and even lifting a Doberman puppy off the floor by its lead.
Desmond Hague is the CEO of Connecticut-based $6.4 billion food and beverage corporation Centerplate, and was caught abusing the puppy on July 27, reported Global News.
As Mr Hague entred the lift of Hotel Georgia's lavish Private Residences in Vancouver, Canada, he immediately started wrenching the lead and kicking the dog before the lift doors closed.
He then violently pulled the dog by the lead, causing it to slide on the floor, before yanking the leash behind his shoulder so the animal was flung around and momentarily left hanging above the floor by the neck.
The CEO claims he was pet-setting the small dog for a friend, although there are reports the dog was registered in his name, according to U-T San Diego.
Via statement, Mr Hague has since apologised. "This incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed," the statement reads.
"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."
A 'concerned citizen' emailed the footage of the one-year-old Doberman pinscher puppy named Sade being to British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
"I have reached out to the SPCA and have personally apologised to the dog's owner," the statement continues.
Last week, SPCA raided the 39th-floor apartment, where officers found Sade shaking in a urine-drenched cage with water and food out of reach, reported The Vancouver Sun.
On Wednesday night, SPCA seized the dog and the organisation's chief prevention and enforcement officer Marcie Moriarty told The Vancouver Sun that Sade was "in good hands" and suffered "no real lasting physical damage".
While no charges have been laid against Mr Hague, Centerplate's board of directors are reportedly taking their own action.
The company, which according to American business magazine Fortune has more than 30,000 employees and 350 clients, ordered Mr Hague donate $US100,000 to establish a Sade Foundation and complete 1000 hours community service with groups caring for animals.
The Sade Foundation will be set up to help abused dogs in the Vancouver area.
Since footage of the attack was shown by Canadian television network Global News, it has gone viral, yet none of the more than 300 sports and entertainment venues using Centerplate as a caterer have drop the company or made statements condemning the animal abuse, reported Eater.
Morning news break – August 29
