While I wasn't privy to the evidence that was available at the time it was originally enacted, it's certainly my review of the transcripts.... I wasn't able to access all of the studies that were provided to the committee. I always think that is a great idea if the committee is able to make those types of things available.
However, certainly on the transcript, the committee had a number of witnesses who spoke about the linkages between people abusing animals, in whatever form, and going on to commit other forms of violence against persons, whether sexual or other violence.