Tim Powers
Law Offices of Tim Powers, Denton Texas
940.580.2899 940.483.8000
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A few weeks ago, a video was leaked showing a man kicking a puppy in an elevator. This man was identified as Desmond Hague, who was CEO of Centerplate. Centerplate is a food concession agency that is sold in more than 300 stadiums, arenas and other venues.
Centerplate did release a statement saying that Centerplate does not condone the mistreatment of animals. The public was quick to form a petition that Hague be fired. Most companies have an employ contract that have provisions stating “any conduct, on or off duty, which, in the opinion of Company, reflects unfavorably upon Company, offends the community, conflicts with community norms or values, brings employees into dispute or cause scandal or discredits Company” may be subject for termination. Because of this, Hague was forced to resign.
Once the video went viral, the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalsbecame involved in the case. On top of his termination, Hague was required to serve 1,000 hours of community service and donate $100,000 towards the creation of an organization dedicated to protecting animals.
Texas has two laws set in place in order to protect animal cruelty. There are criminal laws and civil laws. In a civil case, if a judge rules that a person or people have been cruel to animals, the judge may take away their animals and/or order them to pay restitution. In a criminal case, a person may face penalties including fines, jail or both. Those under the age of 18 are also required to undergo counseling if convicted of family cruelty.
- Torturing an animal
- Failing to provide food, care or shelter
- Abandoning an animal
- Transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner
- Killing, seriously injuring or poisoning an animal
- Causing an animal to fight with another
- Using a live animal as a lure in a dog race
- Tripping a horse
- Injuring an animal belonging to another person
- Seriously overworking an animal
Animals do have rights. They deserve to be treated with respect. If you know of an animal in need of help, call the Animal Cruelty Hotline at (855)-622-7722.
http://money.cnn.com/2014/09/03/news/companies/dog-kicking-ceo/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
If you are seeking aggressive criminal representation by an experienced criminal defense attorney for your Denton County criminal case or arrest in Denton County, contact the offices of Tim Powers today. There is no charge or obligation for the initial consultation. 940.580.2899
*Tim Powers is an attorney licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas. Nothing in this article is intended to be legal advice. For legal advice about any specific legal question you should directly consult an attorney. Criminal Defense Lawyers with Unparalleled Passion for Success Providing Quality Representation for your Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Corinth, Highland Village Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Denton County, Tarrant County, Collin County, or Dallas County criminal case