The European Commission said on Thursday that it is proposing a new long-term strategy for animal welfare. It said it's new approach is a "comprehensive" plan that wants to force members states to better apply existing rules that were introduced five years ago.

Critics have repeatedly said the existing rules do not work because they lack economic incentives. The Commission now wants to introduce what it calls "cost-effective measures" to make it easier for member states to enact the European animal welfare rules.

The new EU approach on Thursday immediately came under fire from animal welfare groups. The World Society for the Protection of Animals said it was seriously disappointed and criticized the commission for a lack of vision and a lack of political will.