In most cases it is pointless to try and talk to the owners, because if the owners cared the animals wouldn't be in the condition or situation they are in. If you offer to buy the dog or talk to the owners about proper care and nothing changes and the dog turns up missing, they are instantly going to know who did it. The first thing I would do is send literature anonymously about proper care, etc. so that way if further action has to be taken, they won't know who done it. The humane socoieties only care if the dog has the most basic requirements met: food, water and shelter. Well whoopy.

I have neighbors that have this awesome Rottie that they leave outside 24/7 and he's not neutered. Well, he used to get out quite often and when I would take him home I would try to educate the importance of neutering and keeping the dog in the house so he wouldn't escape and get hurt or picked up by animal control. Guess where the dog is now, still stuck outside, unaltered and barking constantly like outside dogs do best when they are lonely. He's such a sweet dog too. It's been a while since he's gotten out, but you bet the next time he does, he ain't goin home.