CT CEO Under Investigation for Puppy Abuse

The CEO of a Stamford-based catering company that services professional sports venues is under investigation for the alleged abuse of a puppy after he reportedly was caught on surveillance video abusing the animal in an elevator, according to Canadian television network Global News.

Stamford resident Desmond Hague, the CEO of Centerplate, is reportedly identified as the man seen kicking the dog, snapping its leash, pulling the puppy off the ground by the leash before dragging it from an elevator at a Vancouver hotel in July, according to NBC Connecticut.

Centerplate, which services collegiate and professional sports venues, resorts and arenas in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, released this statement Monday afternoon after the video surfaced and allegations against Hague became public:

“This is a personal matter involving Des Hague. Centerplate does not condone the mistreatment of animals and, since learning about the situation late Friday night, have reached out to local authorities to better understand the facts and circumstances related to the incident. As this is an ongoing review, we cannot comment further at this time.”

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Hague said in a statement to Global News. “This incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed.”

The NBC Connecticut report can be found here.

Photo: from NBC Connecticut.