來自印度不同保育團體的18名抗議人士，17日在印度捷布馬球場抗議大象馬球比賽，隨即遭到警方逮捕。這些保育人士認為大象馬球比賽是對大象的一種酷刑。抗議者表示，為了使大象聽從指示，騎師使用尖銳的鐵鈎戳刺大象頭部，因此引發的開放性傷口造成傷口嚴重感染，且痊癒得慢。他們聲稱大象頭部的傷口，被裝飾布料及珠寶遮蓋住以免讓觀眾看到。
在英國大象之家(Elephant Family of the UK)及捷布受害協助(Help in Suffering of Jaipur) 等動物福利團體抗議之後，18日實際馬球比賽期間便禁止使用鐵鈎。但抗議者指出他們觀察到訓練員在比賽的前後仍然使用鐵鈎。
馬球場的大象是從野外捕捉並長期用鐵鍊拴住，抗議者表示不應如此對待瀕臨絕種的物種。此次大象馬球比賽是由珠寶大商卡地亞（Cartier）所贊助，該廠商在11月15日發表聲明，將所得利益幫助在印度的拉賈斯坦邦及首都捷布的工作大象。
大象馬球在捷布已經有35年的歷史。比賽是由印度政府機關動物福利局所認可，並由「大象之家」和「協助受害」兩團體負責監督。卡地亞表示：「這些組織的活動是很值得支持的。」但是抗議者希望該公司徹回贊助，示威遊行的布條上寫著：「卡地亞，停止殘害大象的時間到了。」
人道動物對待協會(Ethical Treatment of Animals India)也要求卡地亞取消對大象馬球的贊助。該協會在聲明中表示：「讓卡地亞知道該找到其他推銷珠寶的管道，而不是傷害動物。」
由捷布展開的大象馬球季只是個開端，在18日開始持續進行的第25屆年度世界大象馬球大賽將為期一週，在尼泊爾西南奇旺國家公園的虎頂酒店舉辦。這場比賽將由酒製造商起瓦士（Chivas Regal）所贊助。
Eighteen protesters from organizations across India were arrested Friday at Jaipur's polo ground as they demonstrated against a game of elephant polo, a sport they say is cruel to the elephants. The protesters say sharp steel hooks used to prod the elephants into obeying their riders cause open wounds, which become painfully infected and are slow to heal. They claim the resulting head injuries are covered with ornamental cloths and jewellery to hide them from spectators.
Use of the hooks was not allowed during the actual polo match on Saturday after a campaign against them by animal welfare groups, Elephant Family of the UK and Help in Suffering of Jaipur. But protesters say they observed trainers using the steel hooks on elephants before and after the match.
Polo elephants are captured from the wild and kept chained up, and the protesters say that is no way to treat members of an endangered species.
The polo match was sponsored by jewelry giant Cartier, which said in a statement November 15 that the event was held for the benefit of working elephants in the Indian state of Rajasthan and its capital, Jaipur.
Elephant polo has a 35 year history in Jaipur. The event was endorsed by the Animal Welfare Board of India, a government agency, and was monitored by members of Elephant Family and Help in Suffering. Cartier says it is "proud to support" the activities of these organizations. But the protesters want the company to withdraw its sponsorship, demonstrating with a banner reading, "Cartier: Time to Stop Elephant Cruelty."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India also has demanded that Cartier withdraw its elephant polo sponsorship. "Tell Cartier that it should find ways to promote its fine jewelry without causing harm to animals," the NGO said in a statement.
The Jaipur match was the start of elephant polo season which continues Saturday with the 25th anniversary of World Elephant Polo - a week-long series of matches at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in the Royal Chitwan National Park in southwest Nepal, Sponsored by liquor manufacturer Chivas Regal.
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In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.
