Without reading ANY of this thread, besides your contribution OP, my first and only reaction would be to contact the proper authorities.Police if you don't know the local ASPCA numbers.And in no way EVER let on to those neighbors that you had a hand it what happened.
Man...no dog is better than another,in terms of they all are happy forms of life...but not a Corso, I can't believe I read that.
You come into possession of a dog like that and you do that?
Second though, common sense tell me jerks like that wouldn't ever have the resource or knowledge to obtain a real protection, clean line based Corso.
Prob a mastiff mutt...
Bottom line.You see how you came here and asked advice?Say just as silent while you execute these dogs rescue.Either way, when they get there, THEY will deem the conditions worthy or not.Not people posting on MFK...
Good Luck