Crown counsel has approved animal cruelty charges against former Centerplate CEO Des Hague following a BC SPCA investigation into the case.  Images of Hague mistreating a friend’s Doberman puppy were captured last July on the elevator surveillance video in his downtown Vancouver apartment complex. Hague has been charged with two counts (Section 24 (1) and 23.2(1)) 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 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.

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.

 

 

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.