BLM: 34 horses dead in roundup in northeast Nevada

RENO -- Federal officials say 34 wild horses died or were euthanized during a roundup of animals from parched rangeland in northeastern Nevada.

Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman JoLynn Worley said Wednesday that 1,224 wild horses were collected during the Tuscarora gather that concluded Monday near the Rock Creek Herd Management Area in northern Elko County.

The BLM characterizes its ongoing roundups as emergency operations made necessary by drought and overpopulation on public and private lands.

Opponents say the policy favors livestock grazing and energy interests.