A couple returned home from a business trip to find their miniature dachshund beaten and drowned in their backyard pond.

Scott McWilliams and Vernon McIlroy have decided to leave Townsville in far-north Queensland for good after flying home from Sydney to find their eight-year-old pooch Paris killed during a suspected break-in.

The owners believe Paris would have barked at the intruders when they entered the property last Sunday - but it wasn't until their house-sitter went into the backyard that they knew the attempted robbery had been fatal.

The owners believe Paris (pictured) would have barked at the intruders when they entered the property last Sunday

'We found claw marks in the pond so she's obviously been held under,' Mr McWilliams told the Townsville Bulletin.

'She was found bloody and floating in the pond.'

Their other dog Astrid, who is the same breed as Paris, was found shaking after the ordeal but was physically unhurt.

Scott McWilliams and Vernon McIlroy (pictured) have decided to leave Townsville in far-north Queensland for good after flying home from Sydney to find their eight-year-old pooch Paris (pictured) killed

The dogs likely made a bit of a racket, frightening the almost-thief into drastic and horrifying action (Paris pictured)

Mundingburra police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Graeme ­Patterson said that detectives were working with the theory an intruder jumped over the back fence and tried to break into the house.

The dogs likely made a bit of a racket, frightening the almost-thief into drastic and horrifying action.

'Anybody with a pet who knows the attachment that a pet brings your family would find this disturbing, so if we have anybody out there who knows who is responsible for this, please call us,' Sen-Sgt Patterson said.

Their other dog Astrid (light brown in colour), who is the same breed as Paris (pictured), was found shaking after the ordeal but was physically unhurt

Mr McWilliams and Mr McIlroy have decided to sell the six properties they own in Townsville and move to a region that doesn't remind them of what was lost

Mr McWilliams and Mr McIlroy have decided to sell the six properties they own in Townsville and move to a region that doesn't remind them of what was lost.

'We moved to Townsville to settle and find a place that we could really call home, but it doesn't feel like home when you're not safe in your house,' they said.

Anyone who witnessed the ­incident or anything suspicious on Queens Rd between 6am and 6pm on Sunday should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.