I think you've met a lot of terrible Muslims in your life. And I can't blame you, cos our Prophet himself said that ignorance will increase among Muslims, as will crimes and tribulations as a result of them.
Rest assured though, there are actually Muslims who are not as you say. I for one can confirm that not only do I condemn the evil acts done in the name of religion, but I certainly think animals have a brain, and can be truly intelligent beings not to mention better than many humans too!