32 AUGUST 2017 • FOGHORN LEGISLATIVEREPORT architectural barrier must be removed in every instance, but it does impose an affirmative duty to remove an architec- tural barrier that is structural in nature on an existing facility if the removal is “readily achievable,” that is, “easily accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty and expense.” This is a facts-based inquiry, and what is “readily achievable” for one company with deep financial pockets may not be so for a mom-and-pop operation struggling to get by. Rearranging the table layout for a dinner cruise vessel to clear a path of travel for a wheelchair user is probably “readily achiev- able,” while moving walls and bulkheads to expand the footprint of a restroom may not be. Can I ever exclude a service dog from coming on my vessel? In most situations, the answer is “No.” A person with a disability accompanied by a trained service dog is entitled to bring it on board. You are not to exclude the service dog, nor can you charge extra for it. The exception to the rule is when the service dog is not under the control of the person with a disability. This generally means that the animal must be harnessed, leased, or tethered, unless the device interferes with the work of the dog or the indi- vidual’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In these situations, the in- dividual must maintain control of the service dog through voice, signals, or other effective controls. If the dog is “out of control” and the person fails to take effective action to bring the dog under control, the person with the disability can be asked to remove the service dog. This can also be done if the dog is not housebroken and relieves itself in a public space. Of course, removing an offending animal may prove challeng- gplink_quarter.indd 1 1/6/2017 10:25:38 AM