A small group of protesters made the annual trek down to Rexall Place on Saturday, arguing they are a voice for abused animals who can't speak for themselves.
Less than a dozen demonstrators called for a complete ban on rodeo events, citing examples of what they consider cruel treatment against livestock.
"I've witnessed them electrically prodded, their tails twisted, their necks snapped, reefed back," said one protester of what compelled him to take part.
"These animals definitely suffer."
The demonstration wasn't without its adversity, with several rodeo fans yelling jeers at the activists like, "get a real job," and "find something that's useful."
But those taking part say they are resolute in their call for change.
"[The rodeo] is an inhumane practice - all you have to do is look at the looks on the animals' faces," argued Valerie Roberton.
Tove Reece, who works with Voices for Animals, believes more people would turn away from the entertainment if they had the proper information.
"We are just here to educate people about what the animals go through, because I think they really get forgotten in this whole thing," she said.
The demonstrators did not provide any direct evidence of abuse at the Canadian Finals Rodeo, and officials who operate the event say they are misrepresenting the facts.
"They are ill-informed about what we are about," argued Dale Leschiutta with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
"We have made major steps along the lines of animal rights."
Officials are adamant they are following all proper procedures, including having an animal welfare expert on site. They say only one animal has suffered minor injuries at the Canadian Finals Rodeo so far this year, and throughout 2010 there have been three animal deaths in all pro-Rodeo events across the country.
Other sports officials said Saturday that the cruelty arguments are so familiar by this point that they accept the impasse.
"If they knew more about the sport and more about the people and the families -," started John Windwick, the Commissioner of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, about what he considers the fixed position of activists.
"But you're not going to make everyone happy."
With Files from Sean Amato
