It would NOT be an option for me. This dog has lived in this world & is & has been able to cope. I don't believe that he is a hopeless case to train.
The owner did NOT say he is a viscious beast!!
Then get in your car, right now, and go get this dog. And if you have some reason you can't, don't hold someone else to your standards that are very easy for you to dictate, from a distance.