Provincial police say a pilot project where SQ police dog handlers are assigned to regular patrols instead of being on call to respond to specific incidents is a success.

Since November the SQ has assigned two dog handlers, one in Drummondville and one in Outaouais, to do regular patrols with their animals.

SQ spokesperson Mélanie Dumaresq said normally SQ dog handlers don't do patrols. They're called in when required for searches for drugs, suspects or missing persons.

"Having dogs on patrol helps us to respond faster to calls," said Dumaresq.

She said since the pilot project began in November the two dogs and their handlers have posted some impressive numbers:

333 interventions

six arrests

seven drug seizures

236 vehicles searched

31 tickets issued

one life saved

Dog saves life

Dumaresq said one of the dogs helped save the life of a suicidal woman last winter who had taken pills and fled into a wooded area.

"After seven minutes of searching, the dog located the woman on the edge of a river. She was unconscious. It was really fast and really helpful to bring the young woman to the hospital to receive care," Dumaresq said.

The pilot project will continue for six more months. Dumaresq said if it's deemed successful more dog handlers will start doing regular patrols across the province.