Easter is coming, and rabbits are due for their annual burst of popularity.

Snuggly, friendly, adorable, what parent can resist a child begging for a new pet?

Not enough, is the answer from British Columbia, where rabbits bought in haste have proved to be something of a problem after they've worn out their welcome.

Within months of Easter, the unwanted bunnies are often released, to live in parks, become pests in farmers' fields or dinner for carnivores. Sometimes they die of starvation.

And once there are two, there are often many more.

The province's SPCA took in 1,700 bunnies last year, but this year, it's hoping to reverse the flow.

Starting April 1, the national pet chain Petcetera will no longer be selling rabbits in Greater Vancouver after B.C.'s SPCA asked them to stop.

Instead, it will offer rabbits from the SPCA for adoption.

It feels counter-intuitive, but there's a furry lining.

"There is a lot of revenue lost, but there's a lot of goodwill gained and ultimately, the pets need toys and food, and we'll be more than happy to oblige in that regard," said Petcetera vice-president Richard Kaga.