A UK pet owner has been convicted of fraud after claiming more than £31,000 ($59,000) from insurers by repeatedly faking dogs’ deaths.

Robert Cretu lodged fraudulent pet insurance claims with Allianz, Markerstudy Retail, Admiral and Pinnacle.

In more than 30 cases, the 40-year-old from Liverpool claimed a dog had been startled and then hit by a vehicle.

In other claims, he said his pet had chased a seagull from a pier and later washed up on a beach.

The value of his attempted fraud was significantly higher than the amounts he received.

“Cretu took advantage of multiple insurers for financial gain at a time that is often distressing for people who have lost a pet,” Detective Chief Inspector Nik Jethwa said. “He exploited the system for his own benefit but has ultimately paid the price for his actions.”

Investigators found documents including fake veterinary records, altered pet medical histories, cremation paperwork and fabricated bank statements.

Cretu pleaded guilty to five charges and was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

Insurance Fraud Bureau head of intelligence Jon Radford says Cretu used records from his living pet to create fictional dogs and submit bogus death claims, and “cynically exploited pet insurance designed to support owners during some of their most difficult moments”.

Allianz UK head of financial crime intelligence and investigations Matt Crabtree says the prosecution “sends a clear message that we will take action ... Collaboration like this is vital in tackling organised fraud, to help protect our honest customers.”