A cockfighting ban in the Northern Marianas and other US territories started yesterday much to the disappointment of fans in the CNMI.
Cockfighting CNMI Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Mark Rabago
For Saipan cockfighting operator, Jay Sanchez, prohibition makes criminals out of good people.
He said this was the opposite of what CNMI lawmakers did for marijuana users, who became "good people" after cannabis use was legalised last year.
Ray Roberto, who supplies feed for cock breeders and owns land where fights are staged, said the ban put an end to a culture spanning centuries.
But the former speaker of the CNMI house of representatives Ralph Demapan said cockfighting was more than just a pastime or sport.
He says the ban would put an end to the passing down of secrets and superstitions to the next generation.
The Office of the US Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Marianas said it will enforce the ban.