People arriving at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton on Saturday were greeted by animal rights activists calling for an end to the event.

The Voice for Animals Humane Society took direct aim at a controversial staple event at rodeos across the county.

The group's Executive Director Tove Reece tells Global News that getting rid of tie-down roping, formally known as calf roping, would be a good start.

"So you've got a tiny little calf running at full speed being lassoed by some big cowboy on a horse - - we consider it the worst event at the rodeo," remarked Reece.

But CFR Animal Welfare and Safety Officer Ralph Murray says tie-down roping is part of cowboy life, with the competitors mostly ranchers who have to do it routinely out in the middle of the field.

Protests surrounding the safety of horses during chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede led to changes in the rules this year.

So far, there have been no injuries or deaths at this year's Canadian Finals Rodeo which wraps up Sunday.

Voice for Animals says it can't understand how anybody can see the event as entertainment. (td)