Police are investigating the killing of a pet Maltese terrier found bound to a backyard plant with a towel after a 'sickening' attack in inner-west Brisbane.

The body of 17-year-old family pet Scruffy was found on Friday afternoon, leaving the dog's owners distraught.

Scruffy, the 17-year-old Maltese terrier, was found dead in a Bardon backyard on Friday. Credit:QPS Media

Police believed someone entered the backyard of the home at Northam Avenue, Bardon, in broad daylight, pulling a towel from the clothesline and tying it around Scruffy's neck.

"The dog was then bound by the towel to a plant at the rear of the dwelling where he was later located deceased," police said in a statement.

A police spokesman said the animal's exact cause of death was not clear but blood had been found at the scene.

The killing was believed to have taken place between 10.30am and 3pm.

Police were speaking to neighbours and appealing for anyone with information to come forward.