In the minds of the larger public, using such rhetoric associates us with what is considered the worst elements of society. It is the opposite of helpful.
So what should you call these animals?
Thugs, barbarians, mobs, criminals. There is a whole host of descriptive terms that can be applied without linking oneself to Neo-Nazis.
When a group of people act like a pack of rabid wolves, then would referring to them as dogs mean we are being racist? Frankly it would be an insult to the canine race.
These people are animals. If they want to be considered human, then they should try to act civilized.