Former CEO caught abusing a dog in elevator, charged with animal cruelty

WATCH: Former Centerplate CEO Des Hague has been charged with animal cruelty in connection to a disturbing incident caught on camera last August. Catherine Urquhart reports.

VANCOUVER – Former Centerplate CEO, Des Hague, who was caught on camera abusing a dog in an elevator last July, has now been charged with animal cruelty.

The surveillance video, shot in an elevator of the Private Residences at Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver, shows Hague kicking the dog several times.

He can then be seen hauling the dog by its leash as he exits from the elevator. Hague resigned following the incident.

WATCH: Animal abuse caught on elevator camera (warning, some viewers may find video distressing):

The BC SPCA announced on Friday that Hague has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

“There has been a lot of media and public interest in this investigation, but every individual is entitled to due process and it is now up to the courts to determine an appropriate outcome,” said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA.

The puppy, who belonged to a friend of Hague, was taken into SPCA custody at the time of the July 27 incident but was returned to her owner on the condition that there be no further contact with Hague.

Animal abuse caught on camera (some viewers may find video distressing):

On Aug. 26, 2014, Centerplate released a statement saying, the company does not condone the mistreatment of animals by any of its employees.

Mr. Hague has agreed to attend counseling to address his anger management issues and has publicly expressed he is deeply ashamed and remorseful for his behavior. He has apologized to everyone directly involved as well as to the company’s clients and employees, and has pledged a significant, personal, multi-year financial commitment to help support the protection and safety of animals.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: Mr. Hague has agreed to attend counseling to address his anger management issues and has publicly expressed he is deeply ashamed and remorseful for his behavior. He has apologized to everyone directly involved as well as to the company's clients and employees, and has pledged a significant, personal, multi-year financial commitment to help support the protection and safety of animals.

Hague then released an apology statement saying he takes full responsibility of his actions.

…this incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed. 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.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: …this incident is completely and utterly out of character and I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed. 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.

If convicted of the charges, Hague faces a maximum fine of $75,000, up to two years in jail or up to a lifetime ban on owning animals.