Centerplate boss under fire for dog abuse video

Sports caterer Centerplate is under pressure to sack its US boss after he was caught on camera abusing a dog.

Des Hague, chief executive of the company's business in the USA in 2009, was seen kicking a friend's puppy in the elevator of a Vancouver apartment building in CCTV footage that surfaced last week after it was sent to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Centerplate made its first foray into the UK foodservice market when it acquired The Lindley Group in 2013 for an undisclosed sum. It later rebranded the business to Centerplate UK.

Following the emergence of the video, it is understood that sports fans attending games at Centerplate-catered venues in the United States and Canada have said they will not be buying food and drink from the company and they called for Hague to be fired. Some stadiums have also been urged to end their contracts with the caterer, reported Fortune.com.

Hague released a statement earlier this week through his attorney in which he apologised and expressed embarrassment for the incident, describing it as "completely and utterly out of character".

He said: "I am ashamed and deeply embarrassed… a minor frustration with a friend's pet caused me to lose control of my emotional response… I would like to extend my apology to my family, company and clients, as I understand that this has also reflected negatively on them."

No legal charges have been brought against Hague at this time.

In a statement, Centerplate said it was aware of the incident and the attention surrounding it.

"The company has now gathered all of the current facts from local authorities and is in the process of conducting an internal review. Centerplate does not condone the mistreatment of animals by any of its employees. Mr. Hague has agreed to attend counselling to address his anger management issues and has publicly expressed he is deeply ashamed and remorseful for his behaviour," the statement said.

"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. There will be a public statement as soon as Centerplate completes its review."