Puppy-kicking lands CEO in the doghouse

The San Francisco Giants and 49ers both said today they are “disturbed” by allegations that the CEO of the company that provides concessions to AT&T Park and Levi’s Stadium was caught on video kicking and abusing his dog.

Media reports have circulated surveillance video of a man identified as Centerplate CEO Desmond Hague kicking a frightened puppy and choking it with its leash in a Vancouver elevator last month.

The Connecticut-based company handles food and beverage sales at numerous entertainment venues, including for the Giants and 49ers. Its Board of Directors said in a statement today that it has censured Hague, putting him on indefinite probation and any future misconduct would mean his termination.

The board is also requiring Hague to donate $100,000 toward the establishment of a foundation in honor of the abused dog, Sade, to protect animals in Vancouver. The board said it plans to donate a portion of its profits to the Sade Foundation. Hague must also donate 1,000 hours of his time to an organization that protects the health and safety of animals, the company said.

He still faces potential criminal charges in Vancouver.

Centerplate wrote in a statement:

“The company finds Mr. Hague’s personal behavior unacceptable and outside the bounds of our high standards and expectations of all of our staff. … We do not condone nor can we overlook the mistreatment of animals and Mr. Hague’s personal misconduct.”

The Giants and 49ers both issued statements on the allegations today, condemning any abuse of animals.

The Giants said:

“While we deplore Mr. Hague’s personal actions, it should in no way reflect upon the hundreds of dedicated Centerplate employees who admirably serve our fans at AT&T Park each and every day.”

The 49ers also said that Hague’s actions did not reflect on Centerplate employees working at Levi’s Stadium.

Centerplate faced a conflict with its own employees at AT&T Park last year when a union representing concession workers staged a strike claiming workers had not received pay increase for several years. The union finally reached an agreement with Centerplate last month.