Look, I'm not disagreeing with any of you - if the calf was represented as having papers, it is without a doubt the breeders responsibility to provide them. All I'm saying is that (1)there are people out there that just won't, and (2) you can't just assume that if a calf appears to you to be registerable by what you read or hear, you can't just assume that the breeder is planning on providing papers unless they (either in person or in the sale listing) say that they will, and sometimes. you're just going to have to accept that.
I'm not saying that I'd do that - if I tell you the calf will be registered, I'll register it. But less than 25% of our cows are registered, and that 25% includes 5 different breeds - we don't keep up with whole herd reporting or even paying annual dues with all of them. If and when we need to paper something, we'll pony up the dues, fees, penalties and all and get it done. I know firsthand, it can get pretty expensive to just register one or two calves a year. Some folks find themselves in this position, and just simply refuse to do it. Again, I'm not saying I'd do that, or that I agree with it, I'm just saying that it's how it is.
