Petpositive is shocked and extremely saddened over the incident in Seremban where a Macaque caused the death of a four-day old infant. This took place after the animal had abducted and dropped the child from the roof of the house where the baby and its family were residing.

We deeply sympathise with the parents for their inconsolable loss at this time when no amount of words will be able to comfort the grieving couple.

The close proximity and incidents of wild monkeys entering into peoples' homes is a solemn and sobering reminder to all concerned why it is extremely vital for human beings to respect and protect the natural habitats of wild animals.

Wild animals are best left alone and outside the home and lives of human beings.

Animal conservationists have long warned us of the importance of preserving their natural homes by significantly cutting down - and stopping altogether - the destruction of our forests in the misguided name of ‘development.’

By doing so, we rob the creatures living in the forest of their natural surroundings. This inevitably leaves them with little choice but to move away from their familiar territory to the unfamiliar where the ground is often hostile and confrontational with the human population.

This latest and most regretful Seremban incident where a family fell victim to wild monkeys is the result of our own doing by encroaching into their territory and pillaging it.

We can only wait for time to play its role to heal the human victims of this horrible tragedy and hope that all of us have become wiser through this terrifying experience.

May God be with the mourning couple during this extremely difficult time of great loss for healing and eventual recovery.

The writer is president, Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (Petpositive).