WINNIPEG — True North Sports and Entertainment spokespeople say they’re “deeply disturbed” by allegations of dog abuse against the head of the company the Winnipeg promoter uses for catering at the MTS Centre.
Centreplate CEO Desmond Hague came under attack after video of him repeatedly kicking a dog and then hauling it by its leash was captured by an elevator surveillance camera at a downtown Vancouver hotel.
The video was captured in July and passed on to the B.C. SPCA this week.
Hague has apologized for his actions.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, this incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed,” he said in a statement. “Under the circumstances of the evening in question, 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. I have reached out to the SPCA and have personally apologized to the dog’s owner. At this time, I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them.”
True North released its own statement on the matter on Sunday.
“We have recently become aware of the reports out of Vancouver this weekend pertaining to the B.C. SPCA’s investigation into Mr. Hague’s behaviour, which we find to be deeply disturbing. It is our understanding that this matter is being investigated by Mr. Hague’s employer, Centreplate. We will await the outcome of that process before commenting further other than to offer that we do not believe this incident reflects in any way on the hundreds of Manitobans who have worked for Centreplate.”
READ MORE: Fans call on PavCo to drop contracts with catering CEO seen in alleged dog abuse video
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