Yes. In Jainism, non-violence (ahimsa) is the highest principle. Causing pain to any living being, including animals used to pull carts in processions, is considered contrary to ahimsa and harms both the animals and the spiritual progress of the people involved.

Key points from a Jain perspective:

• Ahimsa extends to all beings, not just humans. Inflicting suffering on animals creates negative karma.
• The intention behind actions matters, but the practice of forcing animals to pull heavy carts in crowds is generally seen as causing needless harm.
• Both Digambar and Śvetāmbar traditions emphasize compassion toward animals and avoiding cruelty. They discuss rights of living beings and urge followers to seek ways to celebrate or move without causing suffering.
• Many Jain communities prefer (or advocate) alternatives: human-powered or mechanically powered processions, or using minimal contact with animals, to avoid causing distress.

If you’d like, I can share more about the specific Jain teachings on ahimsa and how they relate to everyday practices, or point you to passages from Jain scriptures that discuss compassion toward all living beings.