Disgraced millionaire CEO who lost his job after being caught on elevator camera kicking his friend's puppy faces two years in prison after being formally charged

Desmond Hague was filmed repeatedly kicking the Doberman pinscher puppy in the elevator of a Vancouver apartment block in July 

He headed Centerplate, which supplies sports stadiums with food service

The company initially said he would undergo anger management classes and donate to animal charities - but fans and teams said that was not enough

He eventually resigned from the company

Now he has been charged with violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and faces up to two years in prison and $75,000 in fines

A multimillionaire CEO who was caught repeatedly kicking a puppy on camera has been formally charged with violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Surveillance cameras in the elevator of a Vancouver apartment building filmed Desmond Hague kicking a one-year-old Doberman pinscher, Sade, in the stomach in July.

He later resigned from Centerplate Inc., a $6 billion-dollar company that provides snacks at sports and entertainment arenas across the U.S., including Providence Park in Portland, the Superdome in New Orleans and the Javits Center in New York City.

And now, if found guilty in a Vancouver court, he face up to two years in jail and fines up to $75,000.

Instead of stepping down, Hague initially agreed to attend counseling to address his anger management issues - but fans continued to demand his firing. 

'We want to reiterate that we do not condone nor would we ever overlook the abuse of animals,' Centerplate board chairman Joe O'Donnell said in a statement.

'Following an extended review of the incident involving Mr. Hague, I'd like to apologize for the distress that this situation has cause for so many; but also thank our employees, clients and guests who expressed their feelings about this incident. 

'Their voices helped us to frame our deliberations during this very unusual and unfortunate set of circumstances.' 

Chris Verros, the company's chief operating officer since 2010, will now be acting president and chief executive.

The shocking video showed Hague kicking the dog as it cowered in the elevator before yanking its leash and swinging it around, in scenes that are hard to watch.

After the video emerged Hague, who had been CEO of the company since 2009, said the dog belonged to a friend and apologized for his actions.

'This incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed,' he said in a statement.

He blamed his outburst on 'a minor frustration' with the dog.

'Unfortunately, I acted inappropriately, and I am deeply sorry for that and am very grateful that no harm was caused to the animal,' he said. 

Following the July incident, the BC SPCA removed the dog and Hague still faces the possibility of criminal charges, the Oregonian reported. 

The company has more than 30,000 employees and clients, including the Superdome in New Orleans, the Javits Center in New York City and college sports arenas like Notre Dame.

Des Hague had been at the top for Centerplate since 2009. He is a veteran of the food-service industry having held senior positions at IHOP, Safeway and Taco Bell, according toFortune

Sunday, January 25, 2015