Visitors to the Canadian Finals Rodeo were met by a small group of animal rights protesters outside Rexall Place Saturday.

About a half dozen members of Voice for Animals claim animals used in rodeo events are hurt in events like calf roping.

They held signs with pictures of roped animals with slogans like "Buck the rodeo" and "Bullying is bullying." One sign called on Mayor Don Iveson to "stop supporting violence."

Protester Jervanne Martel held a megaphone, directing her message at people walking into the arena.

Rodeo competitor Lee Graves says rodeo animals are not abused. (CBC ) Martel said animals are being hurt for the sake of entertainment. She said her group is trying to raise awareness about the issues.

"My hope for today is just to wake people up," she said. " To hope that next year there will be a lot less people supporting the rodeo."

Cowboy Lee Graves rode his horse over to the protesters to talk to them but was shouted down.

He later explained to a reporter that he takes issue with the idea that rodeo animals are abused. He says the bridle his horse uses is soft and the spurs on his boots aren't sharp.

"They're dull, " he said, slapping his palm against the edge. "Didn't hurt my hand."

Graves said he has used the same horse in competition for 15 years. He says ranchers pay good money for their horses, so he can't understand why anyone would think they would abuse them.

"This horse looks happy. He likes me," Graves said. "All this equipment on him is to help him do his job. And he's happy doing his job."

As for the calves roped in competition, Graves said they aren't hurt in the event.